Residents Alarmed Over New Artists’ Studios..Private Property Faces Unexpected Public Use in Ghent

Residents Concerned as New Artists’ Studios Open on Private Land in Ghent

Residents near Azaleapark resist plans to use a narrow alley as access for artists’ studios, fearing disruption in their peaceful Sint-Amandsberg neighborhood.

Marie Dupont3 hours agoLast Update : 3 hours ago

Buren bezorgd over komst van kunstenaarsateliers: “Mijn eigendom zou nu ineens een publieke functie krijgen” (Gent)

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The plan to create new artist studios in Sint-Amandsberg has sparked controversy among local residents. The proposal involves converting an old textile warehouse near Azaleapark into about 19 ateliers for artists, supported by vzw Nucleo and the City of Ghent. On 2025-05-17 17:55:00, neighbors voiced their concerns about the access route, which would run through a narrow alley adjacent to their homes.

6 Key Takeaways

Residents oppose artists' access via narrow alley
Nucleo plans 19 artist studios, expo space
Residents propose new building with park access
City denies park access due to trees, parking
Nucleo cites no prior neighbor disturbances
Residents file objection against building permit

While Nucleo currently provides temporary workspaces for 180 artists across Ghent, the new project aims to offer more permanent studios, exhibition areas, and community spaces. However, some residents feel the plan was developed without proper consultation and worry about potential disturbances and the use of private land for public access.

Can the city balance the needs of its vibrant art community with the rights and comfort of its residents? The debate highlights the challenge of urban development in densely populated neighbourhoods, setting the stage for a closer look at the main issues.

Fast Answer: Sint-Amandsberg residents oppose the planned artist studios near Azaleapark due to concerns over a narrow access path through private property, urging for a more community-supported solution in Ghent’s urban art development.

What are the key points driving this local dispute? Residents question the lack of early dialogue and fear increased noise and traffic. Meanwhile, Nucleo stresses that no complaints have arisen at their other sites, including historic neighbourhoods. The alternative access via the park’s parking lot is rejected by the city due to environmental and parking concerns.

Residents want a new building with flexible spaces and access from the park side.
Nucleo emphasizes successful coexistence with neighbours at current locations.
The city prioritizes preserving trees and parking over changing access routes.
Objections to the environmental permit reflect a demand for more inclusive planning.

This case illustrates the ongoing balancing act in Belgian cities between cultural development and protecting residential quality of life, a common theme in Ghent’s urban planning discussions.

As this debate unfolds, will Ghent find a compromise that supports artists while respecting residents’ concerns? Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in open dialogue to ensure the project benefits both the creative community and the neighbourhood’s wellbeing.