Namur Expo announces the start of sustainable renovations and the construction of exhibitor parking facilities

Namur Expo announces the start of sustainable renovations and the construction of exhibitor parking facilities

Namur (Belgium), 19 May 2025 – This autumn, BEP (Bureau Economique de la Province de Namur) will embark on a major energy renovation of Namur Expo, alongside the construction of a new exhibitor car park on the site of the former football pitch.

The goal is to modernise the venue’s infrastructure to better serve the needs of exhibition and event organisers, and to offer an enhanced visitor experience—worthy of a regional capital like Namur. Sustainability, climate action and environmental responsibility are central to the project, which also supports the ambitions of Easyfairs, operator of Namur Expo since 2022, to raise standards across the events sector.

Backed by €6.9 million in ERDF funding, 10% of which is provided by BEP, Namur Expo is undergoing a complete renovation. The project is focused on improving the site’s functionality while significantly cutting energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

In terms of energy efficiency, the project involves a complete overhaul of insulation in Halls 1 and 2, including façades and roofs. Cladding will be replaced, outdated skylights removed, and the roof of Hall 2 fully renewed.

The renovation will also fully decarbonise the halls. Outdated gas heating systems will be replaced with a high-efficiency CO₂ heat pump system, paired with new dual-flow mechanical ventilation. The existing lighting will be upgraded throughout with LED technology.

In terms of functionality, the project includes renovation of the main hall’s concrete flooring, the installation of sectional doors between Halls 1 and 2 to improve modularity, and upgrades to external access for exhibitors, helping to ensure faster turnaround between trade shows.

ExpoPark, a mobility solution for the Salzinnes district

Although the proposed exhibitor car park project behind Namur Expo, submitted as part of the ERDF 2021–2027 programme, was not selected for funding by the Walloon Region, BEP intends to move forward with it using its own resources. The aim is to address the challenges faced by exhibitors, improve accessibility, and reduce traffic-related disruption in the district. The plans include a 250-space car park, a covered bicycle area, and 10 fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.

Project timeline

Preparatory work for the energy renovation of Namur Expo is already underway. Following completion of the preliminary design, receipt of planning permission, and the launch of procurement procedures, on-site construction will begin by spring 2026 at the latest and is scheduled for completion by the end of summer 2027.

The works are planned to allow Namur Expo to remain operational throughout, with the exception of a few months during spring and summer 2026.

As for the new car park, construction will begin in October 2026 and last for eight months. The infrastructure will be available for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year at Namur Expo.

Namur Expo is at the heart of Easyfairs’ environmental objectives

Aware of the environmental impact of its events and venues, Easyfairs has placed decarbonisation at the heart of its sustainable development strategy.

In 2021, the company signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, an industry-wide commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Backed by more than 500 signatories, this initiative positions the events sector as a key player in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Since signing the pledge, Easyfairs has taken concrete action to measure and reduce its carbon footprint, tracking emissions from more than 150 events each year across eight venues and 20 offices. It has also published its first ESG report and laid out a clear roadmap to reach its climate targets. These efforts have already been recognised with major industry honours, including the UFI Sustainability Award and the EN ESG Award.

The energy renovation of the Namur Expo halls, with significant investment in energy efficiency, reflects this commitment and forms part of Easyfairs’ broader ambition to make its infrastructure a benchmark for sustainability.

A brief history: from 1958 to today

The main hall of Namur Expo originally served as the Palais des Industries Alimentaires at the 1958 World Expo in Brussels. After the Expo, the building was dismantled and acquired by the Province of Namur, which reconstructed it in Salzinnes between 1960 and 1961. An administrative wing was later added to house the headquarters of the Bureau Économique de la Province (BEP). The venue began hosting events such as the Official Annual Exhibition and the first Agricultural Fair of Wallonia. In 1964, management was formally handed over to BEP, and in 1972 a second hall was added to the main structure.

Over time, the number of trade shows grew and the Salzinnes district became increasingly urbanised. In 2002, BEP began construction of a 475-space car park on the site of the former stadium opposite the Palais. Urban improvements followed, including a redesigned avenue with new pavements and greenery, and the creation of a large esplanade in front of the entrance to what was now called “Namur Expo” (investment: €1.7 million). Further enhancements were made to the site’s infrastructure, including façade renovations and the addition of a third hall, “the Dome”, serving as a new reception area (investment: €1.3 million). This gave the site a more modern and welcoming look, better integrated with its urban surroundings.

Between 2003 and 2006, infrastructure upgrades continued, including renovation of the sanitary facilities, kitchen, heating system and roof; installation of motorised blackout systems in Hall 1; separation between the two main halls; improved exhibitor access; and reinforcement of the electrical network. In total, approximately €4.2 million was invested in the site between 2002 and 2012.

Press contact BEP

Ingrid BERTRAND
[email protected] 
+32 495 32 72 14

Press contact Easyfairs

Marie HENIN
[email protected]
+32 471 81 52 88

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