17 May '16

Kaaitheater considers move into former Citroen garage

Summary

The government of Flanders and Brussels official architect have launched a call for proposals for the renovation and possible extension of the popular Kaaitheater in the canal district

 

Call for proposals

Kaaitheater has expressed an interest in renovating and extending its premises on Saincteletteplein in central Brussels. The government of Flanders has now joined with Brussels’ official architect to launch a call for proposals for a future vision for the largely Dutch-speaking performance space.

The lease on the building, formerly known as the Lunatheater, comes to an end in 2022. Designed by architect Marcel Driesman and built between 1929 and1932, the main building houses a theatre, apartments and eatery. Another part of the complex, on the canal side, is home to another cafe, a meeting room, offices for Kaaitheater staff and private offices.

Kaaitheater took over the building, along with the Ancienne Belgique (AB), in 1993 on a 40-year lease agreement with Immobilière Moderne. AB returned to its renovated home on Anspachlaan in 1996. Since then, Kaaitheater, originally a biennial festival, has had a permanent residence there. The Lunatheater name disappeared in 2001.

The Citroen garage complex, which abuts Kaaitheater on two sides, has been bought by the Brussels-Capital Region, which intends to turn it into a museum of modern art. The call for proposals asks applicants to take account of opportunities for co-operation with the Citroen centre, such as by turning part of the complex into a second theatre space for Kaaitheater.

Photo: Kaaitheater, with the former Citroen garage on the right
©Danny Willems/Kaaitheater

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