Willems project - Renovation of 2 buildings into housing and a multipurpose space

The Public Welfare Centre (CPAS-OCMW)) of the City of Brussels is finalising the renovation of the buildings at Place Joseph Benoit Willems 10, 11 and 12 in Laeken. This project is receiving a subsidy under the City Policy, in the area of spatial planning. 

The rents of the homes will be aligned with the grids of the Social Housing Agencies (AIS), thus guaranteeing accessible and affordable housing for people in need, in line with the social inclusion mission of the CPAS.

These buildings will be converted into a complex comprising 6 flats, ranging from studios to 2, 3 and 4-bedroom flats, to meet the needs of families of different sizes, as well as a multi-purpose area on the ground floor. The latter, which will be used in particular by the Moorslede social centre's homework school, will be designed to open up and revitalise the passageway, which is currently separated into two distinct areas. The space will also provide direct access to the playground, the Children's Home and crèche, located within the housing block.

The building at number 12 has been demolished and rebuilt to blend in harmoniously with the rest of the development. The passageway crossing the ground floor is secured by a gate: it will be open during the day and closed at night. Access to the flats will be completely independent of this passageway, ensuring a functional separation between public and private spaces.

In order to comply with passive energy performance standards, insulation works were carried out on the walls and roofs. The project also includes the complete replacement of the technical installations.