The project for the redevelopment of the Waalse Krook in Ghent was the largest cultural infrastructure and urban renewal project in Flanders in recent years.

The realised development consisted of several sub-projects including the remediation and redevelopment of 4,000 m² of inner area, the construction of squares, lowered quays, bicycle and pedestrian bridges, an underground bicycle parking facility, as well as a remarkable new building project housing the new urban library and the Centre of New Media.

This large-scale development has also been complemented by an additional new building at the rear of the Lammerstraat which will house four flats, commercial spaces, public sanitary facilities and a lift.

This development is a complex project with various financial partners and clients, united in the CVBA WAALSE KROOK. At the end of 2009, via the Flemish Government Architect and as part of the Open Call, a ‘project definition for the study assignment’ was issued.

In 2010, the THV RCR Aranda Pigem Vilalta Arquitectes – Coussée en Goris Architecten was designated as laureate of the Pritzker Prize 2017 and appointed for the design assignment. In the same year, THV A-RES – ADVISERS was appointed by the CVBA Waalse Krook as delegated builder, project manager and cost controller for the development of the new city library. Luc-Georges Dubrulle acted as leading civil servant and general manager of the CVBA Waalse Krook.

The new site and city building were inaugurated in March 2017 and renamed ‘De Krook’.

Photos: © Michiel Devijver, Tim van de Velde