ICC.gent – Frequently Asked Questions

Some noise nuisance is unavoidable during construction. However, we have asked our contractor to take specific measures to keep the disturbance to a minimum, such as using low-noise machinery.

Major renovation works will start in the summer of 2026 and continue until the scheduled reopening in early 2029.

Construction traffic will only travel to and from the site via the N60. Within the park, the works will be cordoned off with a secure fence. Motorized construction traffic will always remain within that enclosure for driving and parking.

As in previous years, ICC.gent will primarily focus on congresses, conferences, and business meetings, both nationally and internationally. This focus will only be strengthened in the renovated ICC. Additionally, there will remain space for local initiatives and events that provide added value to the city.

Out of respect for our location in Citadelpark and the surrounding neighborhood, we have consciously chosen, as in previous years, not to organize nightlife or nightclub activities in the renovated ICC.gent. The ICC will therefore remain a place for professional and substantive meetings, with consideration for peace, the quality of life in the neighborhood, and the nature within the park.

The building’s capacity remains the same, so the maximum number of daily visitors will not change. However, the renovated building will allow several smaller events to take place simultaneously. As a result, the total annual number of visitors is expected to increase.

After the reopening, ICC.gent will focus even more on (inter)national congresses. This type of visitor typically has a lower impact on the immediate surroundings, as congress participants more frequently use sustainable means of transport such as trains, public transport, or organized transfers.

Thanks to its central location within walking distance of Gent-Sint-Pieters station and near hotels and amenities, many visitors also travel on foot or by public transport. This keeps the impact on traffic and mobility in the neighborhood limited.

Activities at ICC.gent are primarily focused on congresses and professional meetings during the day and early evening. When planning events, we always take care not to disturb the peace of the park or the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood.

Respect for Citadelpark is central to the renovation and future operation of ICC.gent. We are demolishing the Azalea Hall to create additional park space. Around the building, existing paving will be converted into greenery, plants, and flowers as much as possible. Inside, the building will be designed to be more compact and functional, with an outward orientation, giving visitors much more visibility and contact with the park from the various rooms.

In addition, we are committed to sustainable mobility, fossil-free energy via geothermal heating, local collaborations, and a well-thought-out organization of events to keep the impact on the park and the neighborhood as limited as possible.

Respect for this unique park environment is central to the renovation of ICC.gent. In total, approximately 4,000 m² of built-up area will be greened and returned to the park. This ensures that more space is freed up for greenery, open space, and experience. In this way, we contribute to the reinforcement and quality of Ghent’s largest city park.

The project also serves as a lever to revalue Citadelpark step by step. The new park zone connects to the Floraliën Hall. As a result, this iconic hall will be opened up within the park and can evolve into a central, covered meeting place for visitors.

We are also ensuring that motorized traffic no longer has to pass through the park. All major buildings in the park (Floraliën Hall, SMAK, ‘t Kuipke, and ICC) will be accessible via a single access point from the N60. This allows the park to expand between MSK and SMAK, and motorized traffic will no longer travel via the Graskuip.

We are also choosing sustainability within the building itself. ICC.gent is switching to geothermal energy, utilizing waste heat, reusing rainwater, and generating its own green energy. With energy-efficient installations, we are evolving into a sustainable convention center that operates entirely fossil-free.

Finally, in the operation of the convention center, we are committed to collaborating with local partners within a 15-kilometer radius, which strengthens the local economy and stimulates sustainable mobility.

Yes. Citadelpark will remain a public and accessible green space during the works. The construction zone itself will be safely cordoned off and is only accessible from the N60. The plants and trees within the fenced construction zone will be carefully protected.

Outside the fenced construction zone, the entire park remains accessible. Frequently used walking and cycling routes will remain open in most cases. If a temporary diversion is necessary, it will be clearly signposted.

We will continue to inform our neighbors via our website and targeted communication regarding important updates and milestones. Transparency and dialogue are central to our relationship with our visitors and the surrounding neighborhood.

Yes. We consciously choose local suppliers and partners, as much as possible within a 15-kilometer radius. In this way, we strengthen the local economy and build sustainable collaborations within the city and its surroundings.

This project serves as an important lever for the revaluation of Citadelpark. By freeing up more space for the park zone and consolidating motorized traffic along a single access route, we are taking a major first step toward the park’s revitalization.

We are investing in sustainable infrastructure, high-quality architecture, and a building that fits carefully into the park. In this way, we contribute to a future-proof and attractive environment for everyone who visits and experiences the park.

Thanks to the renovation, ICC.gent can evolve into a sustainable, future-oriented convention center that operates fossil-free with respect for its surroundings. A place that inspires internationally while remaining locally anchored, with a focus on sustainability, mobility, and a good relationship with our neighbors.

In this way, ICC.gent is growing into a place that not only facilitates international meetings but also makes a positive contribution to the quality, appearance, and experience of Citadelpark and the surrounding neighborhood.

Yes. ICC.gent aims to be more than just a convention center. We want to be a place that creates connections and offers opportunities, including for the neighborhood and the city of Ghent.

The renovated ICC offers a future-oriented infrastructure with space for local initiatives, collaborations, and knowledge sharing. During opening hours, the building will be freely accessible to all park visitors. We encourage local residents, associations, and local organizations to come to us with their ideas and initiatives. Our team is happy to brainstorm and support, where possible, initiatives that provide added value to the neighborhood.

Together with local partners, cultural institutions, and organizations in the area, we are building an ICC.gent that not only welcomes international visitors but also remains firmly anchored locally. In this way, ICC.gent is evolving into a catalyst for meetings, collaboration, and positive dynamics in the neighborhood.