The Stadsfeestzaal or City Party Hall on the Meir is returning to Antwerp ownership with its sale to Ablon Retail Real Estate, which plans to revitalise the historic shopping centre.

The building, which reopened in 2007 after an extensive restoration following a devastating fire, has been owned by various Belgian and foreign groups over the years. Ablon Retail Real Estate now takes ownership of this protected heritage site, located next to the Innovation building. Over the next year, Ablon intends to explore opportunities for the Stadsfeestzaal while maintaining its respect for the building’s historical and cultural significance.

“Honour its historical legacy”

For the time being, the Stadsfeestzaal will remain a shopping centre, and Ablon aims to work with local partners, heritage experts, residents, and city authorities to ensure that future developments honour its historical legacy and align with the city’s vision.

The Stadsfeestzaal holds a special place in Antwerp’s history as a symbol of gathering, commerce, celebration, and daily life. It reflects both the grandeur of its early years and its evolution into a space for modern activities.

“Community involvement”

Antwerp residents are being invited to share their ideas for the future of the Stadsfeestzaal. Ablon’s approach emphasises community involvement, aiming to create a vision that respects the building’s past while looking towards its future.

Ablon Retail Real Estate, founded in Antwerp decades ago, specialises in retail properties across Belgium and internationally.

A history of resilience and transformation

The Stadsfeestzaal has a rich and eventful history. Designed by city architect Alexis Van Mechelen in the early 20th century, it was conceived as a multifunctional space incorporating a party hall, shops, apartments, and a bank. 

Construction was completed in 1907, and the hall opened to the public in 1908, quickly becoming a venue for galas, fairs, school events, and receptions.

By the late 20th century, the building had deteriorated significantly. Sold to a project developer in 2000, its future appeared bleak when a massive fire destroyed it shortly before renovations could begin. The fire seemed to mark the end of an era, as the building’s condition had already declined.

Reconstruction began in 2004, with an international team of architects restoring the hall to its former splendour. The Stadsfeestzaal reopened in 2007 as a modern shopping centre, successfully merging its historic architecture with contemporary functionality.

Challenges and commercial success

Over the past two decades, the Stadsfeestzaal has established itself as a shopping destination, though not without difficulties. The departure of a major tenant, Saturn (owned my MediaMarkt), in 2013 was a significant setback. 

However, the centre now attracts around six million visitors annually and has few vacancies, cementing its role as a vibrant part of Antwerp’s commercial landscape.

Under Ablon’s ownership, the Stadsfeestzaal is poised to continue as a vital part of Antwerp’s urban and cultural life, blending its historical significance with a renewed vision for the future.

Daily reality

Ablon hired Antwerp city guide and self-proclamed ‘professional Antwerpian’ and ‘professional Belgian’ (beroepsantwerpenaar and beroepsbelg) Tanguy Ottomer to communicate the news. 

The Stadsfeestzaal looks nice, indeed. While at the moment there are few vacancies, many tenants come and go. The entire first (second, from American point of view) floor is inaccessible. There used be shops and restaurants here. Many people visit, but how many spend money at the shops? 

The venue can certainly use some revitalisation. 

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