Turning the spotlight on two projects that are revitalizing Brussels neighbourhoods and local artistic creation.
Magasin 4 in Laeken
Magasin 4, founded in 1994, is Brussels' leading alternative music venue. In September 2025, it opened its new concert hall on the corner of Avenue du Port and Rue de l'Entrepôt, near Tour & Taxis.
Covering an area of almost 900 m², Magasin 4 now benefits from a scalable building that can be adapted to the venue’s needs. An achievement facilitated by the concrete structure and removable fixtures and fittings - mostly made from recycled materials - enabling flexible, reversible layouts.
The building has two areas, one reserved for musician and crew logistics, the other designed for the public - a vibrant 382 m², 500-seat concert hall, complete with a roof terrace.
This project was developed with funding from the "Citroën Vergote" Urban Renewal Contract (URC). It is the result of a successful collaboration involving the City of Brussels, the Brussels Region (Urban and Perspective), the Urban Development Corporation (SAU), the Port of Brussels, the Magasin 4 team and the CENTRAL OFAAU consultancy.
Elite-Scarabeus in Schaerbeek
Opening in April!
The new Elite-Scarabeus socio-cultural facility, now officially called SKA (Schaerbeek Art), is a major urban regeneration project dedicated to the performing arts and social cohesion.
Work to transform two iconic sites, the former Elite cinema (Chaussée de Haecht, 296) and the Scarabaeus theatre (Rue Creuse) along with an adjacent building, was completed in 2025. The project was jointly funded by the Brussels Region (Urban and Renolution) - Urban Policy - Pillar 2 (PdV), "Pogge" Sustainable Neighbourhood Contract (SNC) and Renoclick -, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the Municipality of Schaerbeek.
This multi-purpose facility, which will soon house Schaerbeek's cultural centre, aims to compensate for a lack of public and cultural spaces in the neighbourhood.
The project, a blend of heritage renovation and modern facilities, plans to connect the three buildings to create a smooth flow. It includes a large refurbished cinema, workshop spaces, exhibition areas, a place for refreshments and administrative offices.
Environmentally, the SKA incorporates technical solutions for optimised energy performance: excellent insulation, dual-flow ventilation, reuse of materials and rainwater harvesting. The site's development also improves urban integration by creating a new pedestrian link between two parallel streets (Chaussée de Haecht and Rue Creuse) along with planted areas. RenovaS was responsible for project management on behalf of the municipality of Schaerbeek, while OUEST architecture was responsible for the project design.
Other projects
Rediscover two other past achievements that sustain culture in the Sustainable Neighbourhood Contracts (SNC).
Anderlecht Cultural Centre (Escale du Nord)
Located at Avenue du Scheut 147 and incorporated into the Petit Scheut park, Escale du Nord is a multi-purpose centre comprising a performance hall, workshops and spaces for artistic creation set in the heart of the Scheut neighbourhood, and built under the SNC of the same name.
The Tour à Plomb Cultural and Sports Centre
Located at Rue de l'Abattoir 20-26 in Brussels-City, this project is the result of the transformation of the former 19th-century industrial foundry under the "Jardin au Fleurs" SNC. It combines spaces for artistic creation, sports, socio-cultural activities and a community vegetable garden for local residents.
Urban regeneration projects in pictures
(Re)discover these and other urban regeneration projects supervised by Urban's teams in photos, through Media Urban.
- Magasin 4
- The SKA (Schaerbeek Art)
- Anderlecht Cultural Centre (Escale du Nord)
- The Tour à Plomb Cultural and Sports Centre
