Mons station construction site: “we are now in the development phase to allow optimal commissioning”

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The question has been on everyone’s lips for several years now and regularly animates debates, especially on the web: when will the new Mons station be officially put into service? Initially planned for three years, the project is now in its 14th year. And if things move and move forward, SNCB no longer dares to comment on a new inauguration date.

“We are still in a finalization phase,” explains Tom Guillaume, spokesperson for SNCB. “The construction of the building itself is complete, we are now in the process of fitting it out for optimal commissioning.” Concretely, certain steps must still be taken before commuters take possession of the premises.

”There are still completion and finishing tasks, including the metal cladding of structures, the installation of various coverings such as woodwork, paint, stone, and the installation of signage. Besides this, the technical equipment is being installed.”

“Our eyes are turned towards the end of the project”: SNCB is working hard to put the Mons station into service

These include, for example, lighting, ventilation, fire-fighting equipment, screens and loudspeakers for passenger information. And there is no question, for SNCB, of taking the risk of the slightest hiccup once the station opens to travelers. “We install but we also test to ensure that everything is functional.”

For SNCB, there is no more doubt, the finalization phase is coming to an end. “We really reach the last carat,” insists Tom Guillaume. Could Santiago Calatrava’s gem be officially unveiled in the coming months? The spokesperson prefers to avoid the question, specifying that no further date has been put forward in this matter. An understandable position, as delays and unforeseen events have multiplied since the start of the project.

For the rest, it should be noted that the marketing of commercial space continues. There are 13 of them, and they should accommodate different brands. We already know that a Monop’ convenience store should be opened by the Monoprix group, which has just set up in Waterloo and has set itself the ambition of establishing a long-term presence in Belgium with around ten openings hoped for. The SNCB call for tenders normally also includes catering services offering take-away food and drinks, a gift shop for tourists, a telecoms shop, a healthy food stand, a fast-food restaurant and a florist. A sampling stand should also be opened by Helora.

The objective is for the station to become a place of life which will benefit commuters and local residents more than just a place of passage.