Cureghem Fire Station

A new fire station with sports facilities open to local residents

At the end of 2024, construction began on a new fire station located between Chaussée de Mons and Rue du Collecteur in Anderlecht. Developed by the SAU on behalf of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (SIAMU), this project is a flagship initiative of the Brussels-Capital Region’s Canal Plan. Designed by the architectural firm &Bogdan in a joint venture with structural engineering office BAS, the project stands out in particular for its inclusion of a sports facility, whose largest hall will be shared between firefighters and local residents.

The current SIAMU fire station on the left bank of the canal no longer meets firefighters’ needs due to its size and layout. The location for the new station was chosen on nearby disused buildings. Works began in November 2024 with asbestos removal from the former structures, followed by their demolition.

Innovative features

In addition to the fire station, a sports complex will be built and made available to local residents. Managed by the Municipality of Anderlecht, it will include a large multi-sport hall shared between firefighters and the community, as well as two rooms dedicated to gentle sports, yoga, and martial arts. This openness to the neighbourhood and shared use of facilities is what makes the project unique.

This openness to the neighbourhood and shared use of facilities is what makes the project unique.

The site’s operational design has been developed to minimise disruption in the surrounding area. Fire trucks will access emergency routes via Chaussée de Mons. Traffic lights controlled from the station will ensure safety. Their return route will be via Rue du Collecteur.

To provide optimal working conditions, a decontamination process will take place after each intervention in line with new health and safety standards. In order to promote the integration of women into the service, dedicated facilities will also be provided.

An environmentally responsible project

The new building has been designed to minimise its environmental impact. It will operate without fossil fuels, using geothermal energy and heat pumps. Rainwater management will be optimised through a collection and reuse system, and recycled materials, including bricks, will be incorporated into the construction. Delivery is scheduled for 2027. The project is funded by SIAMU, with support from the Urban Renewal Contract “West Station” and the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).

History:

• November 2019: the SAU-MSI published a European public procurement notice to appoint the multidisciplinary team responsible for designing this new mixed-use facility and monitoring the construction site.
• April 2020: the SAU-MSI selected 5 of the 59 applications received under this contract.
• November 2020: the architecture firm Bogdan & Van Broeck, together with a multidisciplinary team, won the public contract.
• February 2022: planning permission was received.
• January 2025: completion of asbestos removal works and start of the demolition of the disused buildings.
• December 2025: completion of the geothermal drilling and of the structural works for the underground parking facility.