Expansion of the project and additional budget for the Conservatory

The ambitious restoration programme of the Brussels Conservatory must respond to a double requirement: restoring this cultural gem to its former glory and developing its potential in terms of acoustics and functionality. The latter will inevitably entail a densification of the site. In order to better achieve this objective and to guarantee the integrity of the heritage, the intervention perimeter is extended to include the two houses of the Conservatory at Place Sablon. The Beliris budget for 2021-'23 also included an additional €15 million for this purpose.

Since 2018, the project has come a long way and evolved. The new volumes, necessary to meet the ambitious programme, have been designed with respect for the heritage. The extension will be harmoniously integrated into the existing buildings while retaining the unique character of the site and will not be visible from the public space, either from Rue de la Laine or from Rue de la Régence.

A first series of tests was carried out and gave a better insight into the existing buildings. For example, stratigraphic and chromatic studies mapped out the original colour palette in the main concert hall.

The studies were carried out in an evolutionary manner, always in consultation with the users, the Royal Commission on Monuments and Sites (KCML), urban.brussels and the Brussels government.

The project provides for an extensive redevelopment of the interior spaces and includes the creation of 40 small classrooms, 8 large classrooms, 4 master classes, the creation of a concert hall for chamber music, a new rehearsal hall that can accommodate a symphony orchestra, storage and consultation areas for the prestigious library collections, administrative and technical areas for the two conservatories (CrB & KCB), the restoration of the large concert hall and various interventions for the comfort of the musicians (dressing rooms, guesthouse for residents) and the public (foyer, accessibility. ..). The circulation between the different infrastructures of the site will be improved to allow the students to learn in the best conditions.

The next steps? Drawing up the application file for the urban development permit, a so-called 'unique permit' as it concerns protected heritage, and drafting and publishing the public works contract. The works are expected to take three years. Next spring, the Cavaillé-coll organ will be dismantled for restoration.