Renovation in the spotlight: open house attracts more than 2,500 visitors
What happens when you pull back the curtain on one of Ostend’s most famous buildings during a spectacular renovation? You get more than 2,500 visitors, all equally curious about the future of the Kursaal. And that’s exactly what happened during the Open House on Sunday, May 25!
From early morning until late afternoon, curious visitors—whether on their own, with friends, or with family—strolled along a specially mapped-out route through the construction site. The Kursaal’s main gate served as the starting point for a unique behind-the-scenes look at the large-scale renovation project.
And it was never boring: information points dotted along the route brought the technical aspects of the project to life with videos and visualizations. “This isn’t your typical renovation,” said project manager Ruben Veramme of contractor Artes Depret. “We’re working on a custom project using exceptional techniques. It’s wonderful that we were able to share that with so many people today.”
But even those who aren’t necessarily construction site enthusiasts found plenty to enjoy. Children could let loose during creative activities in the lobby, and a refreshing drink provided a pleasant way to wrap up each visit. The focus was on the experience, and you could really feel it.
Alderman for Tourism Niko Geldhof summed it up nicely: “The large turnout today proves, even now while construction is underway, just how deeply Kursaal Oostende is cherished by the people. With this renovation, we are creating a state-of-the-art building that is ready for the future: a place where culture, entertainment, and tourism go hand in hand.”
The Open House event proved that the love for Kursaal Oostende is stronger than ever. While construction is still in full swing, the enthusiasm is already sky-high. The future of the Kursaal? It’s grand, ambitious, and above all: promising.