Experience

BORGERHOUT | Market exploration for the repurposing of the St. John the Evangelist Church or Peperbus

Posted by Timothy on

The City of Antwerp launched a market exploration for a repurposing of the St. John the Evangelist Church (Sint-Jan-Evangelistkerk) in the Borgerhout district of Antwerp. A repurposing of the church, which is currently being restored, is possible according to two scenarios: one with and one without a new green roof construction and associated roof filling. Participation in the market exploration is possible until 16 September 2024.

The St. John the Evangelist Church, also known as the Peperbus or Pepper-Pot, is a large neo-Romanesque church located between Sint-Mattheusstraat and Sint-Marcusstraat in Borgerhout. The church is protected as a monument and has not been used as a parish church since 2018. It is now owned by the City of Antwerp.

Municipal autonomous real estate agency AG Vespa is launching a market survey on the ideas surrounding the repurposing possibilities of the church according to two scenarios:

  • Scenario 1: use of the church and restoration of the existing sloping roofs without a green roof construction.
  • Scenario 2: use of the church in combination with a new green roof construction and associated roof filling

In this way, the City is looking for candidates who want to repurpose the building and wants to gain more insight into the possible uses for the church. In concrete terms, this means:

  • testing the feasibility of a green filling of the historic roof;
  • acquiring knowledge about the market, the companies, their operations and expertise, market trends, new developments, etc.;
  • determining what possible preconditions or obstacles would be to realising this project.

During the market survey, AG Vespa wants to exchange ideas with a wide range of parties: traders, construction partners, designers, operators, etc. In principle, anyone who has a relevant opinion about the project is eligible.

The market survey is without obligation, informal and non-binding. It is a moment when the government and the market share relevant information and knowledge. 

By organising a market survey in this phase, the City of Antwerp wants to be able to make a better informed decision.

Alderman for Heritage and chairman of AG Vespa Annick De Ridder (N-VA): “We all know the Borgerhout Sint-Jan-Evangelistkerk as the Peperbus. The new building code clearly states that guaranteeing a long life for heritage means that you have to give it new life. In order to be able to shape a bright future for this deconsecrated church in a smart and substantiated way, the city is now organising a broad market survey.”

Feasibility study greening roof

A recent study shows that the Sint-Jan-Evangelistkerk is suitable for sustainable installations without a negative impact on the monument. The transformation of the main roofs to a flat roof construction must be carried out at the same time as the current restoration. It is opportune to prepare construction and technical interventions for future sustainable installations now. A flat roof construction can increase the usable roof surface by approximately 1,000 m² and is preferably filled in green. This is included as a variant in the market exploration. The green roof filling can serve as a catalyst for a sustainable repurposing and revival of the site.

Alderman for Religious Services Tatjana Scheck (Vooruit): “Within the Antwerp church plan, we are looking for new destinations for (deconsecrated) churches. We dare to think outside the box. If a flat roof construction with a roof garden is a possibility for the Peperbus, that is a great asset for Borgerhout and the people of Antwerp.”

St. John the Evangelist Church.

Ongoing restoration works

AG Vespa started the restoration of the church in April 2024. 

The church is being restored both on the outside and the inside and will thus be made ready for a new purpose. The restoration includes facade and roof works, work on the exterior joinery, cleaning and restoration of the interior walls, vaults and floor finishes and work on the techniques. 

According to the current planning, the restoration works will be completed by the end of 2026.

Questionnaire

Participation in the market survey is possible until Monday 16 September 2024 at 12 noon by completing a questionnaire. In this questionnaire, you are asked to work out and submit a proposal for a future destination in broad terms, taking into account the outlined framework.

All details about the market survey can be found on the AG Vespa website.

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