Izegem Eperon d’Or Transforms into Heritage Centre with Art Pool

Izegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Eperon d’Or museum in Izegem(built 1912) will become an open heritage centre. Cultuurfabriek hosts only the art academy. New indoor pool and library planned. Aldermen Wets, Buyse, and Mayor Grymonprez lead.

As VRT News reported, the Eperon d’Or museum in Izegem, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, will change its role under the new board as part of the 2026–2031 multi-year plan. The historic shoe factory that houses the museum will become an open heritage centre. Visitors will be able to see the shoe and brush collection for free. 

“Every euro cent of tax money must be managed like a good father.”

Filip Buyse (Vlaams Belang), Alderman for Finance

What will Izegem’s Eperon d’Or offer as Heritage Centre art pool?

Alderman Sam Wets (Vlaams Belang) said the museum loses €650,000 every year. He explained that the traditional museum model no longer works. Finance Alderman Filip Buyse (Vlaams Belang) said the plan focuses on careful use of public money.

“Residents already pay a lot in taxes,”

he said. 

“That’s why it’s our duty to make every euro yield a targeted and visible return: in the street, in sports infrastructure, and in the classroom… every cent of taxpayers’ money must be managed with due care,”

Filip Buyse (Vlaams Belang).

The Izegem is looking at the historic Eperon d’Or building to house associations and a new public library. Officials say this move comes after it became clear that the new Cultuurfabriek will not have enough space for these services. 

The plan also states that only a new art academy will be built in the Cultuurfabriek building. In addition, a modern indoor swimming pool, which had been announced earlier, will also be constructed. City leaders say they want to preserve historic sites while offering new facilities for arts and sports.

“With room for the more than 2,000 Art’lz students, who will finally be taught in modern settings,”

the multi-year plan states.

The city council emphasised that these improvements will not lead to higher local taxes. Mayor Grymonprez said the administration is taking a targeted approach to improving the quality of life for citizens, while not adding any additional costs. The multi-year plan is focused on livability, accessibility, and strategic investment over the next 5 years. 

“For example, an additional community watch will be deployed, and the city will be made cleaner. At the same time, a