The Saint-Gilles prison will not close its doors before 2035. Originally planned to close at the end of 2024, the Brussels detention center remains operational and requires urgent renovations. The federal government has allocated 17.5 million euros to fund these renovations, as reported by Le Soir.
A worrying situation
In an article in Le Soir, the director of the facility, Vincent Spronck, mentioned mold on the walls of the cells and mattresses emitting persistent odors, despite regular cleaning. The planned work mainly concerns wing D of the prison. Wall paintings, roof refurbishment, door replacements, and restroom renovations are included in the program. The stated goal is to increase the capacity from 515 to 600 inmates upon completion of the project.
“We won’t know who to blame when a tragedy occurs”: Saint-Gilles prison to remain open until 2035
The federal minister Vanessa Matz, responsible for Buildings Management, clarified that the work will not start until 2028. By then, recruitments are required to oversee the project, and calls for tenders will need to be issued.
