The barracks on this site date back to the late 1800s, with great emphasis placed on the architectural beauty and form of the buildings – the man who designed and oversaw the building works later became chief engineer for the whole city.

 

The barracks were extended in the 1930s at the cost of more than 6.8 million Belgian francs.

During World War II the barracks were occupied by the German army, and later by the US Army (who apparently housed white soldiers in the barracks, and black soldiers in the nearby stables).

Further extensions and modernisation of the barracks were undertaken in the 1970s at the cost of more than 120 million Belgian francs. Over the years the military personnel formed close links with the city’s residents, including projects to help the disadvantaged, open days to the barracks, and friendly sports matches with the local police, etc.

 

The barracks closed in the early 1990s, following a restructuring of the Belgian army when military service was abolished, including the dissolution of the company which was based there.

Plans to use the barracks as a prison were opposed by the local community, who were opposed to such a development as there is a school and nursery nearby.

 

The site was finally bought in the 2005 for €1.9 million, and is being developed into a large housing development of over 100 flats. The development is designed to be sympathetic to the architectural heritage of the site. Development of the first and second blocks were completed in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

The prison that is not a prison ?