Back

AB, a subsidiary of Eiffage Benelux, transforms the former Ghent municipal library into an administrative centre

10.01.2020
Scroll
AB, a subsidiary of Eiffage Benelux, transforms the former Ghent municipal library into an administrative centre

Antwerpse Bouwwerken (AB) has won the contract to transform the former municipal library in Ghent. The city of Ghent once again trusts the teams of AB who had carried out the project "Waalse Krook", integrating the new library of the city with impressive architecture.

After AB finalized "Waalse Krook" in 2016, the main library in Ghent moved, leaving the old building completely empty.

The AB teams were chosen to rehabilitate this abandoned complex. Designed by the momentary company Kraaijvanger Architects – SAR Architectes, the project will be structured into three buildings (with a new bridge connecting two buildings):

  • the first R+7 building with a total area of 6,542m² corresponds to the former library,
  • the second building of 7,444 m² on 7 floors is the administrative center of the current city,
  • a new R+2 building of approximately 3,000 m² will be constructed in the centre of the other two buildings.

 
After a complex transformation and renovation in depth, the building will serve as a general service center for the Gantuans, with a spacious and bright public area, a new reception pavilion and bicycle parking with a capacity of 1,100 bicycles. The renovated administrative centre will accommodate 1,150 employees of the city.
 
The project will be carried out in several phases at the occupied site. The first phase of work will begin in March 2020, with the entire project expected to be completed in spring 2023.