The city of Mons in Wallonia (Belgium), chose the American architect Daniel Libeskind to build its new Congress Centre, the Micx (Mons International Congress Xperience). Inaugurated in January 2015, the Micx has played a role in the socio-economic revival of the city. Located in the Grands Près district, between the new station and Lotto Mons Expo, a large exhibition centre, it has energised the local economy by positioning Mons as a centre in Walloon for business tourism. It has resulted in the creation of more jobs, as well as a 4-star hotel nearby.
- 11 December 2017
For more than a decade, the city of Mons has engaged in an ambitious policy of economic, cultural and urban development. As such, the creation of the Congress Centre is a very important economic lever. The Congress Centre stimulates the local economy, not only by providing companies, universities and other convention organisers with a modern and powerful tool, but also by boosting the tourism business
Made of glass, wood and metal mixed in a futuristic design, the Micx (Mons International Congress Xperience) combines the efficiency of a modern congress centre with the energy performance of a sustainable building. Its rooms are equipped with the latest technology to meet business requirements.
Built in the heart of the Grands Près development hub, at the back of the new station and close to the city centre, it contributes to the development of business tourism in the capital of the Province of Hainaut. It employs 4.5 full-time staff and promotes economic synergies.
With its sloping glass façades, its ribbon structure and the angle of the building that runs through it like the prow of a ship, the Micx symbolises the renewal of Mons. It is no wonder that the city chose the American architect Daniel Libeskind, who was chosen to rebuild the site of the World Trade Center in New York and who is also known for the Jewish Museum in Berlin. The H2A architecture agency, based in Mons, supported him in his work.
The architectural challenge of the Micx incorporates the essential elements of today's business customer. The congress centre comprises 3 auditoriums including specifically designed armchairs, all equipped with an individual electrical socket. The Micx also has 14 rooms equipped with the latest technology.
In respect of the environment, the site is designed to optimise energy consumption. Particular attention was paid to the thermal envelope as well as the airtightness. Natural lighting has been optimised.
Since its inauguration in January 2015, the Micx has contributed to the economic vitality of the city on several levels. In terms of direct jobs, 4.5 people work there full time. As for attendance, the Congress Centre reached the occupancy rate targets set by the operator in 2015.
The customers surveyed were very satisfied with the organisation of the premises, the level of quality of the infrastructure and the services offered. Beyond its own activities, the Micx influences its economic environment. Thus, a 4-star hotel, "Hotel Congress", was built next-door, employing nearly thirty people full time.
In addition, the Micx is located a few hundred metres from the Lotto Mons Expo, an ultramodern complex covering 15,000 m2, which hosts major events like fairs, exhibitions, shows, cultural or sports events, etc. This proximity allows a complementarity that is rare in Belgium. Thus equipped, Mons is proud to host large-scale events.
Total investment and EU funding
A total of EUR 32 869 320 was invested in the “Micx” project. The European Regional Development Fund contributed EUR 12 938 679 under the Wallonia (Hainaut) Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.