The Anderlecht slaughterhouse

A new start for a site with renewed potential

Located along the Canal, the Abattoirs site is one of the city’s major structuring hubs. Served by two metro stations and just a short walk from Brussels South international railway station, it benefits from a strategic location in the heart of Brussels. As its historical activities undergo restructuring, the site is currently in full transition under the coordination of the SAU.

Given its location and socio-economic impact, the Abattoirs site called for an ambitious project capable of unlocking its potential while aligning with the development of a stronger, more integrated and better connected Canal Zone. Through the West Station Urban Renewal Contract, the Region has set out its ambitions for the future of the site. These include interventions on and around the site aimed at improving the quality of life in the neighbourhood, while enabling the development of public housing and facilities. Within this framework, the SAU was tasked with coordinating the site’s transition, reorganising land rights and establishing a partnership with Abattoir SA and other project stakeholders. The development horizon for the various projects is set for 2040.

The Development of an Integrated Operational Plan

In the absence of a specific planning framework, an integrated operational plan was developed under the coordination of the SAU, in partnership with Abattoir SA, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Brussels Mobility, and regional and municipal authorities. The aim was to align the ambitions, masterplans and pre-existing projects of the various public and private stakeholders.

This plan is structured around several key objectives:

• Strengthening the integration of the Abattoirs site with Erasmushogeschool Brussel;
• Developing an urban framework centred around a lively central square connected to surrounding neighbourhoods;
• Improving mobility, liveability and social safety;
• Significantly enhancing the quality and surface area of public spaces through soil permeability and greening;
• Developing an integrated sustainable vision, including shared energy networks.

“Given its strategic location and its socio-economic and spatial impact on surrounding neighbourhoods, the site called for an ambitious project that enhances its potential and contributes to a stronger, more integrated and connected Canal Zone.”

Land Restructuring to Enable Public Projects

The restructuring of land rights carried out in 2022 by the SAU marked a decisive milestone. It included:

• The acquisition of the subsoil (excluding the Covered Market) by the SAU from the Municipality of Anderlecht;
• The extension of Abattoir SA’s long-term leasehold (emphyteusis) within the inner part of the site until 2088, enabling it to continue its development, notably through its market activities and the construction of the Manufakture building;
• The recovery of full ownership by the SAU of several plots along Quai de l’Industrie, for the development of public housing, facilities and public spaces.

Since 2024, the SAU has also been granted a building right (surface right) on the roof of the Manufakture building, intended for the development of a public facility. This restructuring is supported by a framework agreement signed between the SAU and Abattoir SA, governing their long-term collaboration.

The Construction of Manufakture and a Public Facility on Its Roof

The “Manufakture” project, developed by Abattoir SA, has housed since 2025 meat-cutting workshops, various food production activities, and a 420-space public car park serving both the market and local residents. The building was co-financed by ERDF, the Brussels-Capital Region and the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), for a total amount of €10 million.

The building’s roof is intended to accommodate a public swimming facility, including a 25-metre indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a learning pool. This project addresses a significant shortage of swimming infrastructure in Brussels. The SAU has been tasked by the Brussels Government with supporting the construction of the pool through a DBFMO procedure (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain, Operate). In 2025, in partnership with the VGC, it finalised the tender documents, with the procedure scheduled to be launched in 2026.

Did You Know?

The Anderlecht Abattoirs were inaugurated in 1890. Their metal architecture, inspired by the Baltard halls, reflects the industrialisation of the time. Since 1990, the site has been operated by Abattoir SA, bringing together various artisans active on the site. While slaughtering activities will cease in 2029, the site will continue to host meat-cutting and processing activities, as well as food markets and socio-cultural events. To this day, it remains Brussels’ most popular market, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each week.

The Role and Actions of the SAU

• The SAU owns the subsoil (excluding the Covered Market);
• The SAU acts as coordinator of regional developments in the area;
• The SAU acts as delegated contracting authority for public projects;
• The SAU collaborates with key partners: Abattoir NV, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Brussels Mobility, VGC, the Municipality of Anderlecht, Cultureghem vzw, and Pool is Cool.