A public private partnership incorporating ING Real Estate, Verdickt & Verdickt Architects, Roegiers, (building contractors), the Flemish Opera and the Flemish authorities have been selected to carry out the second phase of the Flemish Opera and the Franklin Rooseveltplaats revitalization project in the heart of Antwerp in Belgium.
The regeneration project comprises a block of buildings covering approximately 8,000 m² and incorporates a complex blend of various functions for the Flemish Opera, which will include a new brasserie, and 16 lofts. The project involves demolition, restoration, renovation, and new construction work.
The first phase of the project was carried out by public organizations and incorporated the refurbishment of the Opera House, which recently opened its doors following a two-year closure for renovation. The Opera has gained a side stage, which is hidden from view, a discharging platform, workshops, offices and a new room for opera choir practice. The existing rehearsal room has been refurbished. A new ticketing desk has been installed in between the Opera House and the new brasserie.
The refurbishments will enable the Opera House to welcome a larger number and wider variety of productions, while smaller productions can be presented in the choir practice room. New connecting routes between the Opera House and the adjoining building will create optimal passageways for visitors.
The old Wagner Hotel located on the corner of Frankrijklei and Rooseveltplaats, where the offices of ING Insurance were housed for a number of years, will regain a number of its previous functions. The brasserie on the ground floor will add appeal to the new town square. The brasserie is scheduled to open in the latter half of 2008 and was sold to Diepensteyn NV, a Palm Breweries real estate company. The 16 lofts have been sold to RB Vastgoed and are planned to be completed in 2008. The lofts contain terraces which enjoy views of a shared inner courtyard.
Source: ING
