SAU modernises infrastructure at Uccle-Boitsfort Hippodrome

In addition to its restoration of the main historic buildings of the former Hippodrome, the Urban Development Corporation (SAU) has started to modernise the site’s infrastructure (including its sewerage, water supply and electricity networks). Their dilapidated condition, linked to the long history of the race course, makes this work necessary.

The Brussels-Capital Region has granted the SAU a long lease of 99 years on the Uccle-Boitsfort Hippodrome, which has an area of 32.5 hectares and includes 29 buildings. The SAU has two roles: firstly, to restore the site’s main historic buildings; and secondly, to organise the development of the site, which is regarded both as a gateway to the Sonian forest and as a recreational green space for family use. This must be done in a manner consistent with its value as part of the natural and historic heritage.

In this context, the SAU has completed several phases of restoration of the remarkable historic buildings at the former race course. It has also appointed a contractor to carry out the work of modernising the Hippodrome’s infrastructure (including its sewerage, water supply and electricity networks). Their dilapidated condition, linked to the long history of the race course, makes this modernisation necessary. The origins of the Hippodrome date back to 1875; the Grandstand and Small Stand were put up in 1878; and the Weighing Building and the Great Stables were built around 1900. The infrastructure had not been modernised since that period, and had therefore become obsolete. The work starts [started] in January 2023.