Vooruit festival hall seeks recognition as a World Heritage Site after renovation costing €10 million

‘The building, which dates from 1913, is an ode to the labour movement,’ says Franky Devos of the VIERNULVIER arts centre, which is currently housed in the Vooruit Building. 'At the beginning of the 20th century, similar initiatives emerged all over the world: workers were joining forces. Cooperatives were formed, for example to run large bakeries, but experiencing art and culture were also very important."

This also happened in Denmark and Australia, among other places. Flanders is submitting its application to UNESCO together with three people's houses in these countries. ‘Until now, most of the buildings on the World Heritage List have been associated with ecclesiastical, civil or royal power. The working class was also capable of constructing fantastic buildings,’ Devos continues. 

'This iconic people's house is part of Flemish history and its cultural heritage. It played an important role in the emancipation of Flemish workers,‘ agrees Flemish heritage minister Ben Weyts. ’UNESCO recognition provides protection and will attract tourists. So it's also an asset in economic terms.'

A visit by UNESCO will now follow, and a decision will be made in the summer of 2027.

Reopens after major renovation

‘It's pure coincidence, but it couldn't have been more fitting,’ says Devos. After all, the Vooruit Building is reopening this week after a renovation lasting almost a year and a half. The façade, the café, the stairwell, the dome room and ballroom, and the artists' rooms have all been refurbished. The interior has been restored based on the original plans of architect Ferdinand Dierkens, from the wallpaper to the chandeliers.

Cultural charity VIERNULVIER emphasises that accessibility has also been taken into account, witness the new large lift. Additional energy measures have also been implemented. ‘Even after obtaining UNESCO recognition, we want to continue to welcome 300,000 visitors per year,’ says Devos. The arts centre also had a completely new glass dome installed by Sanderjan Cornelis.

The renovation phase cost more than 10 million euros. ‘The building is now in excellent condition and is well worth seeing,’ says Weyts. The Flemish authorities covered 44 per cent of the costs. VIERNULVIER paid 30 per cent, and the city of Ghent covered the remaining 26 per cent of the budget needed. The restoration is not yet complete; the rear building will be tackled in the next two years.