NEW TOWN HALL IN MIDDELKERKE

The new town hall of Middelkerke will be built on the site of the former swimming pool on the market square. Bouwgroep Cordeel is responsible for the design and construction, with architect Luc Binst (Binst Architects) as the lead designer. Construction will start in the fall of 2026 and will be completed at the end of 2028, after which the building will be put into use at the beginning of 2029.

‍

The three-story building has a distinctive five-fingered volume that symbolizes an outstretched hand. This design creates a transparent, accessible architecture with a central atrium zone where natural light enters. Visitors have direct sightlines into the building and can explore it fully from the central atrium. The building contains a public ceremony hall and a roof terrace with views of the surrounding area.

The spatial impact is limited by the modest height and warm, subtle design that blends in well with the surroundings. The design prioritizes efficient and accessible services for citizens.

The market square will be closely linked to the town hall by removing the concrete canopy and adding greenery. An underground passageway through the current parking lot will improve mobility and circulation. This smoother transition between the square and the building will be achieved through evolving vegetation and a unique layout.

Ingenium provides all the technical systems in the building.

‍

Key features:

• Transparent architecture with sightlines to the interior
• Central atrium with natural daylight
• Public ceremonial hall
• Roof terrace with views of the surrounding area
• Efficient and accessible services

Spatial integration:

• Connection between market square and town hall
• Removal of concrete canopy
• Increased green planting on market square
• Underground passageway from parking lot to town hall

Warm, subtle design that blends into the environment with limited spatial impact.

‍