The result is remarkable when we compare the completed areas, such as the attic (formation of columns and a lintel) just above the Assize Room, on the roof of the north corner, compared to those in awaiting renovation. “We face difficulties every daynotre Isolde Verhulst de Perspectiv. For example, we discovered cracks on a structural part of the building. But nothing insurmountable at the moment. We are on time and on budget.”
The restoration of the main facade must be completed at the end of 2025. That of the entire building envelope must be completed by the bicentenary in 2030.
Nothing is 100% assured yet.”We have normal delays, expected in the timing of the construction site, particularly with the weather,” reassures the entrepreneur Artes. On the architects’ side, we are still worried about the arrival of winter. “We work with materials like lime that we cannot apply below 5 degrees.”
31.7 million just for the facade
Colossal construction site, colossal costs: we are talking here of 31.7 million euros just for the first facade of 22,750 m², the surface area of five football fields. An essential expense according to the Federal Buildings Authority, owner of the site: “40 years of scaffolding on the largest courthouse in the world is unacceptable. The current project is improving the image of Belgium. It is our responsibility towards this heritage which belongs to all Belgians”, notes the outgoing Secretary of State in charge of management, Mathieu Michel (MR).
Little by little, the facade begins to be freed from this unsightly armor made of metal tubes. Recently: this northern corner for example. But already last May, Minerva, the goddess of wisdom who proudly sits in the center of the cornice of the building, had also been returned to the eyes of passers-by. As for the scaffolding, however, they do not go very far. They are mainly moved to be installed on other parts which are awaiting their makeover.
Next step after the Poelaert facade: the base of the majestic dome from 2026. The old scaffolding around this area has already been brought up to standard. The sides of rue de Wynants (south west), rue aux Laines (south east) and Rue des Minimes (north west) will follow.
After 40 years of waiting, the Palais de Justice begins its transformation: the dismantling of the emblematic scaffolding has begun, here are the images (PHOTOS)
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