Former Recyclart site under Brussels-Chapel station to become cultural hub again
The City of Brussels, NMBS/SNCB and Infrabel have on Friday signed a leasehold agreement for the spaces under Brussels-Chapel station, near the Marolles district, where the Recyclart cultural centre used to be located. The City wants to establish a new cultural hub there, called “SubJonction”, which is expected to open its doors in 2030 at the earliest.
The aim is for SubJonction, located between Rue des Brigittines and Rue des Ursulines, to once again organise cultural and social activities, following in the footsteps of Recyclart. “With this project, we are breathing new life into a place and reopening it to the neighbourhood,” said Brussels mayor Philippe Close. “We are also creating a space for culture, creation and encounters.”
The socio-cultural space in SubJonction will include a multipurpose hall and an Agora module for smaller events. In addition, SubJonction will also have an administrative space, a rehearsal room and an outdoor area. In this way, the cultural hub should meet the needs of artists, local residents and the general public in Brussels. There will also be a restaurant.
Rail network operator Infrabel will remain the owner of the viaduct and the tracks above the spaces. This will ensure that stability and safety under the tracks are maintained. “The safety of rail traffic remains our priority, but we also want to support ideas that help Brussels move forward,” said Benoît Gilson, CEO of Infrabel.
However, it will be some time before SubJonction opens its doors to the general public. The planning permit will be submitted in 2026 and the works could start by 2028, after which the cultural hub is expected to open its doors in 2030 at the earliest. The leasehold agreement between the three partners is valid for 99 years.
The our lady of the Chapel church at the Brussels-Chapel station © PHOTO BELGIAN_FREELANCE
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