Antwerp (Brussels morning newspaper– The old hospital buildings in Antwerp (40% occupied) are now a community center with Freinetschool Keerpunt (36 students), studies of artists, stores and social projects, led by Entract; Councilor Patrick Janssens supports him.
As Vrt News reported, since the beginning of 2024, Antwerp has been working on something new. They are using old hospital buildings for a different purpose. They are letting different groups use the space temporarily. The entrance is in charge of this project.
They make sure the empty buildings become animated. The public can visit free all weekend. This includes local people, people from Antwerp and visitors. There are many new groups in buildings now.
There is a free store where people can reuse things. There is also a fat clinic for people with low income. A cafeteria is also there, adding a business touch. People can find a world cooking that fossa to multicultural connections. There are studies by artists and a music center for artistic expression.
How is the old hospital site transforms into Antwerp into a vibrant community space?
The old hospital buildings in Antwerp are becoming a new community space. A Freinet school is now located there. This school teaches 36 children aged 12 to 15. They study art, culture and how society works. The school community is happy in the old hospital.
They have everything they need to learn and create. They hope to stay in the area for many years. This project changes an empty place in a busy center. It offers social help, art, learning and business opportunities. The city wants to build a community using thesis spaces in a useful way.
“This place is ideal for us”
Says Inge Buelens, who is a mentor in Freinetschool Keerpunt.
“We wanted an animated and ‘dirtier’ neighborhood with a little advantage.”
According to the officials, the old hospital site in Antwerp still has a lot of available space, since only 40% occupied at this time. This means that there is a lot of space for new groups and ideas to come. If people are interested, they can visit the stand Enterked Doing the opening weekend to learn more about what is happening there and what they can do.
The future of the SIT is planning, with an approach in keeping animated things. They mentioned that they could eliminate some buildings to keep the place active and interesting. The main objective is to maintain the creative sensation of the community while improving the space for what is needed in the future.
“We want to give new life to the site, with attention to the neighborhood and social added value”, “
Alderman says for the development of housing and urban development Patrick Janssens (Vooruit).
