A new district and a Media Cluster with RTBF and VRT

Today (22 April), the Brussels-Capital Region announced the creation of a new district on the Reyers site. This decision follows the wish expressed by VRT and RTBF to restructure their facilities there.

In order to redefine a site development strategy in this new context, the Urban Development Agency (ADT-ATO) organised a workshop bringing together the regional administration, the municipality of Schaerbeek, RTBF, VRT, the chief architect of Brussels Olivier Bastin, the Flemish chief architect Peter Swinnen and the author of the master plan, BUUR.

The purpose of the project is to:

  • create a new area of the city that will be diverse and vibrant, based around an urban park;
  • to develop a Media Cluster around the new VRT and RTBF headquarters, positioned at the centre of the site.

It thus simultaneously meets VRT’s and RTBF’s restructuring objectives and the regional objectives relating to the development of the media and broadcasting as an economic sector, to the construction of housing and to the creation of quality public spaces.

This definition study has resulted in a series of proposals based on rationalising the space currently occupied by VRT and RTBF: of the 189,000 m² presently occupied, the two broadcasters’ premises will take up a total of 95,000 m² (55,000 m² for VRT and 40,000 m² for RTBF).

The project will also lead to a significant increase in the site’s population density, while also increasing the area dedicated to public spaces and the park. The definition study highlights the potential to construct buildings with a total floor space of 425,000 to 450,000 m², of which 55% will be housing and 10% shops. The remainder will be allocated to public facilities such as a school and a crèche, and to economic activity primarily associated with reinforcing the Media Cluster. 

In this regard, a study by the ADT-ATO (with Idea Consult) demonstrates the relevance of an economic strategy aimed at creating a Media Cluster around the Reyers site. This would bring together educational institutions, public facilities and businesses in a revitalised and extremely well-positioned area.