TIMELINE

ICC.gent

ICC.gent – a rich history, a sustainable future

For over 50 years, the International Convention Center Ghent has been a place where people, ideas, and cultures converge. Located in the heart of Citadel Park, this iconic venue has grown into a cornerstone of the national and international convention landscape.

Today, we are writing a new chapter. With respect for heritage and a clear vision for tomorrow, the International Convention Center Ghent is transforming into ICC.gent: a sustainable, fossil-free, and future-oriented convention center.

Discover the key milestones of this journey and follow the evolution of a historic meeting place into a new standard for the future.

2028
September 1
Autumn 2028 — Opening of ICC.gent

In the autumn of 2028, ICC.gent will open its doors as a fully renovated, sustainable, and fossil-free convention center. The iconic building in Citadel Park is being transformed into a state-of-the-art meeting hub where innovation, accessibility, and respect for heritage are key. With modern facilities and a strong focus on…Read More

2026
July 6
Contractor for the renovation confirmed

The contractor for the renovation of ICC Gent, TM Artes-Equans, has been officially appointed. This important milestone marks the start of the actual transformation of the congress centre and sets the planned works in motion. The renovation will start on 21 September 2026 and will continue until the end of…Read More

May 1
May 2026 — Final edition of the Floraliën in the current ICC

In May 2026, the Ghent Floraliën will take place for the last time in the current Ghent International Convention Center. This internationally renowned event serves as a symbolic farewell to the building in its original form and highlights the historical connection between the site, Citadel Park, and international events. Following…Read More

February 1
February 2026 — Awarding of the reconversion works

The contractor for the reconversion of ICC.gent is officially appointed. This award marks a significant step in the project’s realization and initiates the actual transformation of the building.

January 1
2026 — Operational takeover and start of internal conversion works

As of 1 January 2026, sogent will take over the operation of the congress center, launching a new phase in the site’s reconversion. During this same period, the ICC team will begin internal dismantling works in preparation for the large-scale renovation. These works mark the tangible start of the transformation…Read More

2025
December 1
2025 — Building application and environmental permit for the reconversion

In 2025, the building application for the reconversion will be submitted and the environmental permit will be granted. As is customary with a project of this scale, an objection is filed. We approach this phase in a constructive and positive manner, with respect for the procedures and with continued attention…Read More

2022
January 1
2022 — Energy crisis and project optimization

The global energy crisis and rising construction costs lead to a thorough evaluation and optimization of the project. The core ambitions remain: the reconversion of the building into a sustainable, fossil-free convention center that is ready for the future.

2020
February 1
2020 — ICC joins the Flanders Heritage Venues network

The Ghent International Convention Center is included in Visit Flanders’ Flanders Heritage Venues network. This recognition confirms the site’s exceptional heritage value and its unique position as a convention venue within a historical context.

January 1
2020 — Impact of COVID-19 on the event sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global event sector and the operations of the convention center. This period highlights the importance of future-oriented investments and reinforces the ambition to transform ICC.gent into a sustainable and resilient convention center.

2019
February 1
2019 — Approval of the final design

The final design for the convention center’s reconversion is approved. The design by 51N4E and NU architectuuratelier combines respect for modernist heritage with a forward-looking vision for sustainability, accessibility, and integration into the Citadel Park.

2017
February 1
2017 — Appointment of design team via the Flemish Government Architect

Through an Open Call by the Flemish Government Architect, the consortium of 51N4E and NU architectuuratelier was appointed as the design team for the reconversion. Their vision forms the architectural foundation for the future ICC.gent.

2016
February 1
2016 — The Floraliën return to Citadel Park

The Ghent Floraliën return to their historical roots in Citadel Park, where they originated in 1913 during the Ghent World’s Fair. The congress center once again plays a role in this internationally renowned event, highlighting the heritage of both the site and the park.

2015
February 1
2015 — Visit Flanders grant for reconversion project

ICC Gent is selected for the “Meetings in heritage locations” leverage project by Visit Flanders. This significant grant marks the starting point of the reconversion into the renewed ICC.gent.

2010
February 1
2010 — New concessionaire and operations

sogent becomes the concessionaire of the congress center, with operations entrusted to the French group Cosabel. This partnership strengthens the site’s international positioning and professional development.

1996
February 1
1996 — New concession and first renovation

The concession and operations are transferred to De Meyer NV. In the same year, the building undergoes its first renovation within the existing structure, aimed at modernizing and further professionalizing the congress center.

1976
February 1
1975–1996 — Operation by the International Trade Fair

The International Trade Fair is responsible for the operation of the Ghent International Convention Center, developing it into an established name within the national and international convention landscape.

1975
February 1
1975 — Opening of the Ghent International Convention Center

The Ghent International Convention Center opens its doors in Citadel Park. The building evolves into an iconic meeting place and plays a key role for decades in positioning Ghent internationally as a convention city.

ORGANIZER
VISITOR
NEIGHBORHOOD
TIMELINE