The city of Mechelen (Belgium) has announced new plans for the events venue, Nekkerhal. This is also the location where the traditional Lord-and-Farmer celebration, Jumping Mechelen, has been held in recent years. The Nekkerhal will not be sold but must make way for a new residential district by 2032, according to De Tijd.
Mechelen has been looking for a solution for the Nekkerhal for some time. "The building is worn out and needs to be replaced," says Mayor Bart Somers. The former vegetable market hall, located on the edge of the city across from the provincial domain De Nekker, is currently operated by Easyfairs, which hosts events like the Christmas Jumping there.
There had been plans to convert the Nekkerhal into a new pop-up theater for Studio 100, but those plans have been cancelled. There will also be no new large events hall. The city felt there was too little activity on the site anyway.
The contract with Easyfairs will run until 2032, after which the venue will be demolished. The events currently held there will need to find a new location. The city will redevelop the site into a mixed-use area for living, working, and leisure. "There will be space for housing, green areas, and a new, compact event hall," says Somers.
