Fuse Brussels could permanently move to new location below main train station

Iconic Brussels techno club Fuse has made an application to turn a space under the central Midi/Zuid train station into a venue, and is considering relocating there permanently.

The club used the space, called the Quadrilatères or 'Palaces', for the first time over the weekend (April 22-23) with a two-day party to celebrate its 29th birthday, featuring the likes of Karenn playing live, Luke Slater B2B Truncate, Saoirse, Perc and SPFDJ.

In a Facebook post, the club wrote: “If we were to select a single word to characterize this birthday, it would likely be inspiring. A weekend packed with loud music and fleeing yet indelible moments.

“Grateful to all who were part of it, you guys were amazing. Until our thirties!” it continued.

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The space had been unused for over two decades, with the Belgian railway operator SNCB issuing a call for projects to use the space recently. It totals 7,000 square metres of space and has a capacity of 2,000, as well as the potential for multiple rooms.

“We are the first to have a permit to organise something here in 20 years," Fuse’s Steven Van Belle told VRT following the club’s birthday party over the weekend.

Van Belle also explained that the party was a “good opportunity to get to know the location”, hinting that the potential 2,000 capacity space could be a new, more permanent home.

“This naturally makes us dream. This location appeals to the imagination of many Brussels residents,” he said. “It is a large space with no direct neighbours.”

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There is no guarantee yet whether any application would be granted, or whether it would pass the health and safety prerequisites for turning it into a permanent club. The Nightlife Taskforce has is now investigating whether this would be possible.

In January, the club at its original site on Blaesstrat was forced to close temporarily following noise complaints from one neighbour. It has since reopened with strict restrictions placed upon it, but its long-term future remains up in the air.

Speaking to local news platform Bruzz, Fuse’s Artistic Director Steven Van Belle, remained cautious about the idea of permanently moving. He said (translated by VRT): “It would be saying a lot to state that we are considering a permanent move.

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“We found the site when we were looking for a suitable location to celebrate the anniversary of our opening,” he continued. “There is currently still too much uncertainty about the Blaesstraat.

“We don’t want to leave where we are now, but we need to keep our options open. This is why we have informed the Nightlife Taskforce that if we have to move, Quadrilatères could be a location that would be of interest to us.”

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter