In February, Ciril purchased the site of the Dam 71 celebration hall in Kortrijk, planning a residential development for high-quality living on the Dam. What that will look like exactly, remains to be decided. As the current real estate will be empty in the meantime, Ciril entered into a new partnership with Monumento to provide the buildings with a temporary new function. Both companies previously worked together for a similar project in the Sint-Lutgardis school in Mortsel.
Creating added value
Monumento specializes in temporary new functions for existing (historical) real estate. They do this through carefully tailor-made projects with temporary residents, based on the needs of a city or neighbourhood. Their approach offers a lot of social added value, says business manager Caroline Staessens: “Reimagining unused spaces requires knowledge in areas such as culture, environment, function and experience. We make way for creativity and entrepreneurship, work with local people and take into account many site-specific aspects, so that our projects are different every time.”
Entrepreneurial hub in old school building
Ciril and Monumento previously worked together to find a temporary function for the beautiful old Sint-Lutgardis school in Mortsel. While Ciril is working on the development of the City Terrace housing project, the old school building housed NOBS: an unusual event space and hub for creative thinkers. The hall and foyer of the theatre hall were transformed into an attractive space for workshops, events, (co)working and inspiring happenings. New temporary projects will run until 2022, when the old building is to be renovated and incorporated into the housing project.
Old celebration halls
The Dam 71 buildings offer plenty of possibilities. Ciril and Monumento are currently investigating various collaborations with partners for the spaces. “We are currently talking to several food entrepreneurs who would like to work in the former Orangerie,” says Caroline. “For the hotel part, we are looking for people with an original plan for the rooms. Artists or craftsmen may find an ideal studio in the workshops, and the caretaker's house can fulfil its old function: we’re looking for a couple or creative person to temporarily live there and keep an eye on the site at the same time.”
Bridging the neighbourhood
Ciril corroborates the mutual benefits of this new collaboration: the buildings will be better protected by avoiding vacancy, the temporary projects can function as a springboard for new initiatives and young entrepreneurs in Kortrijk, and bridges are formed with and within the neighbourhood. Moreover, a lot of new people will get to know the site and its surroundings - awaiting the plans for the new housing project.
Are you looking for temporary space in Kortrijk? Be sure to contact Monumento!
