September 3rd, the Anspach Center opened its doors. This new multi-functional complex is to give a new impulse to the centre of Brussels. The heavy renovation posed the necessary structural challenges to VK ENGINEERING.

The Anspach Center was constructed on the site of the former Galeries Anspach and mainly consists of a new construction. The existing buildings were largely demolished, while maintaining the facades along the Anspach avenue. During construction, the existing facades were stabilised with structures with ballast. The movements of the facades were carefully monitored and corrected where necessary, by moving the ballast.

Another structural challenge was posed by the roof structure, with a span of 23 metres across the spectacle hall of the Casino. Steel trusses were used to support the roof, as well as the technical rooms and the technical grill. These girders exceeded the crane capacities, and partly had to be bolted on the spot.

The essential importance of the planning influenced the used type of structures - the client "Nouvelles Galeries Boulevard Anspach" (Fortis Real Estate) absolutely wanted the project to open for the public in September 2009.

In the beginning of September, the retail part opened : 19 shops on 7.000 sqm. Later on this year, the Adagio City Aparthotel opens its doors, with 140 rooms, and in early 2010, the entertainment complex Viage (13.000 sqm) will be open to the public, half of it to be used as a casino.