Belfort & Lakenhallen Ieper

Public heritage

A thorough restoration of the Belfry tower and historic façades.

Competition

1st prize

Status

phase 1 (Belfry tower): completed - 2022

phase 2 (West wing and 1/2 Coomans wing): completed - 2023

phase 3 (east wing Belfry tower): completed - 2024

phase 4 (Sint-Maartensplein West) & 5 (Yper Museum and Council Chamber): completed - 2026

Location

Ypres

Client

City of Ypres

Team

Mieke Goegebuer, Mathias Vandepitte, Anton Witdouck

In collaboration with

ÁRTER architects

Press

Ever since the Middle Ages, the image of the Grote Markt in Ypres has been defined by the imposing Belfry and the adjoining Cloth Halls. After the First World War left the West Flemish town in ruins, it was decided to completely reconstruct this iconic monument based on historical plans. Over time, however, the building techniques used during that reconstruction revealed their shortcomings.

B-juxta, together with ARTER, carried out an in-depth restoration of this monument. The works included a number of major challenges such as the complete replacement of the internal concrete structures, a new wooden spire and a thorough cleaning of the façades.

Through this restoration, the Cloth Halls and Belfry – the Ypres icon par excellence – are safeguarded for many generations to come.

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