The VRT or Reyers Tower is one of the landmarks of Brussels, a welcoming sight to motorists entering Brussels, but what does the future hold for this iconic edifice on Auguste Reyerslaan in Schaarbeek? The adjoining Media Park is being completely redeveloped. Soon, it will be transformed into a multifunctional area bringing together media companies, housing and public functions. Several avenues are still on the table, but the Brussels regional government already says it is in favour of making the tower publicly accessible.
Demolition or rooftop bar? What is the future for the VRT tower on Reyerslaan?
Colin Clapson
Published:
At the Media Park site in Schaarbeek, the Brussels Region is planning a media hub to attract both media companies and schools active in the sector. Room for almost 1,400 homes, local amenities and commerce are planned.
Plans for the 90-metre-high Reyers Tower are less well-defined
A feasibility study including different scenarios for the tower has already been conducted, Brussels first minister Rudi Vervoort (Francophone socialist PS) told lawmakers in the regional parliament.
Additional floors ?
Options currently include demolition, keeping the current transmitter mast without any change to its use or a conversion option that includes a viewing area open to the public at large, possibly with 1 or 3 additional floors.
Mr Vervoort said that, based on the feasibility study, the region wants the tower opened to the public with the addition of one extra floor. This would provide a space suitable for a commercial activity. The first minister called the possible demolition of the tower 'unlikely'.
Whether there will be a rooftop bar, restaurant or merely a viewpoint at the top of the Reyers Tower is yet to be determined. A concrete decision still seems some time away.
After all, the development of the western part of the site, where the tower is located, will only start after the demolition of the existing VRT and RTBF buildings. This development will only start in 2027 and take at least four years, Mr Vervoort added.