Esch-Belval's turbine hall, known as Gebléishal in Luxembourgish, holds significant cultural significance as reminder of Luxembourg's old steelworks but the building's future remains uncertain.
The Gebléishal, or blasting hall, at Belval has stood empty since 1997, when Luxembourg’s last blast furnace ceased operations.
Built in 1911, the hall was vital to the steelworks, producing wind to fuel the towering blast furnaces and distributing high-temperature steam across the site. Spanning 164 metres in length, 72 metres in width, and 28 metres in height, the hall covers an area of one hectare and remains an imposing industrial relic.
After decades of disuse, discussions about repurposing the hall have gained momentum. The University of Luxembourg has been tasked with exploring its potential, with ideas ranging from affordable cafés and spaces for student and civic associations to cultural and educational activities.
“It's an opportunity to create something unique, a pilot project that doesn’t conform to the usual high-cost standards of Luxembourg’s spatial development,” says Florian Hertweck, architecture professor at the University of Luxembourg. Initial ideas even included a concert hall, though this was set aside after the Philharmonie was constructed.
Despite enthusiasm, progress has stalled due to concerns over costs. Experts argue, however, that similar projects abroad have been achieved with budgets ranging from €15 to €100 million—far below Luxembourg's typical expenditures.
The turbine hall, briefly revived for cultural events in 2007, remains a significant piece of Luxembourg’s industrial heritage. Advocates stress that repurposing it is not just about preserving history but also about fostering innovation and community engagement. The government’s commitment could determine whether this historic space finally finds new life.
