New Mons railway station opens amidst controversy

Today (December 18, 2024) a new railway station opens in Mons. I look at the evolution of Mons railway station from its humble beginnings to a modern architectural marvel.

Introduction

The Mons railway station, a key transport hub in Belgium’s Hainaut province, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two centuries. From its modest origins in 1841 to the striking new architectural masterpiece unveiled in 2024, Mons station’s story is one of ambition, controversy, and progress. This blog post takes you through the history of its four iterations. We look at the motivations behind the new construction. And explore the facilities and features that make the new station a landmark of modern design.

The four stations of Mons

The first station (1841–1874)

The first Mons station opened on December 19, 1841. This was a period when Belgium’s railway network was rapidly expanding under the guidance of King Leopold I. Built on the site of the present-day Place Léopold, the station’s role was to facilitate the booming industrial transport needs of the Hainaut region. However, within 30 years, the station’s capacity was no longer sufficient to handle the growing demand, prompting plans for a new facility.

The second station (1874–1952)

Replacing the original structure, the second station was inaugurated in 1874. This neo-Romanesque building, designed by engineer Van Der Sweep, was a grand architectural statement. The central clock tower was flanked by statues representing Commerce and Industry. The extensive iron and glass canopy provided shelter for passengers. Unfortunately, this majestic station suffered significant damage during World War II. Plans were therefore made for a more modern replacement.

The third station (1952–2013)

The third iteration of Mons station was completed in 1952. It represented a shift towards modernist design. Led by architect René Panis, the new station’s design emphasized functionality. Notable features included a grand fresco by Jacques D’Hondt and stained-glass windows by Zéphyr Busine and Georges Boulmant. After serving for over 60 years, the station was closed in 2013 to make way for the latest and most ambitious redevelopment. In the meantime, passengers used a temporary station building.

The fourth station (2024–present)

Designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the fourth station’s construction began in 2013. The goal was to turn Mons into a modern intermodal transport hub. However, delays, cost overruns, and construction setbacks plagued the project. Final completion occurred a decade later than planned. The result, however, is a visually stunning, state-of-the-art facility that redefines the skyline of Mons.

Why build a new station?

The decision to build a new station was driven by a combination of functional, aesthetic, and urban planning objectives. The primary motivations included:

• Enhanced intermodality: The new design supports smooth connections between trains, buses, and taxis, making it easier for passengers to transfer between modes of transport.
• Accessibility: The previous station’s facilities were outdated and lacked modern accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Urban integration: The new station connects the historic city center with the Grands Prés shopping area via a striking pedestrian bridge, promoting economic activity and easing pedestrian flow.
• Increased capacity: The station’s new layout accommodates larger passenger volumes, preparing for future growth in rail traffic.

Construction challenges and delays

What began as a 37-million-euro project in 2001 ballooned into a 480-million-euro architectural endeavor. Initial plans called for a simple pedestrian footbridge and car park, but the involvement of Santiago Calatrava transformed the scope into a grand “gateway station.” Several key factors contributed to the delays and cost increases:

• Design changes: The original concept was altered significantly, evolving into a more comprehensive project with larger-scale facilities.
• Bankruptcies and disputes: One contractor’s bankruptcy and multiple subcontractor disputes halted construction for extended periods.
• Oversight criticism: The Belgian Court of Auditors criticized project mismanagement and cost overruns, comparing it to similar issues faced by other high-profile Belgian railway projects, such as the Liège-Guillemins station.

The new Mons station: A modern marvel

The fourth station’s standout features are a testament to modern architectural and engineering prowess. Here’s what passengers can expect when they step into the new Mons station:

• Striking design: The hallmark of Calatrava’s design is the iconic “Gare-Passerelle” – a 182-meter-long, 5,200-ton steel pedestrian bridge that elegantly links Place Léopold to Place des Congrès.
• Elevated platforms: Five covered train platforms, with elevations of 76 cm, allow level boarding for passengers.
• Eco-responsible facilities: The station integrates sustainable design principles, with ample bike storage (350 spaces) and underground car parking for 862 vehicles.
• Accessibility: The station is designed to be inclusive, with tactile paths for the visually impaired and 12 elevators providing access to platforms and walkways.
• Passenger convenience: Commuters have direct access to downtown Mons via the footbridge. However, cyclists will need to dismount, as the bridge is not bike-accessible.

Public opinion varies

Despite its grandeur, Mons remains a medium-sized railway station in terms of passenger numbers. Every day in Mons, an average of 9,399 passengers take the train on a working day, with 189 train services on weekdays. While larger than many regional stations, it’s still smaller than major hubs like Ottignies (21,977 daily boardings) or Brussels Airport (9,944 daily boardings).

The Mons railway station project has faced significant scrutiny. Critics have labeled it a “prestige project” and questioned the justification for such a costly redevelopment in a city with modest passenger traffic. NMBS’s spokesman, Dimitri Temmerman, acknowledged that such choices would not be made today, with future efforts focusing on more cost-effective, functional station designs.

However, public sentiment has softened with the station’s completion. While it’s undeniable that the delays and cost overruns tarnished the project’s reputation, the end result is a functional, modern, and architecturally striking station that offers a glimpse into the future of Belgian railway infrastructure.

What do you think of Mons railway station?

What’s your opinion? A worthy investment in public infrastructure? A beautiful architectural development? A waste of public money that could have better used for other purposes?

Personally I tend towards the latter. I don’t see the need to have such a lavish design for a building that at its heart is purely functional. A simpler, less expensive design would surely have been just as good at guiding passengers to the right platform to catch their trains.

Where to stay in Mons

Here are a few highly recommended B&Bs in Mons. Each is an excellent base from which to discover Mons, or even for a cycle tour through the surroundings of Mons:

• La Maison de la Duchesse de la Vallière, 10 Rue des Soeurs Noires, 7000 Mons: “The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms are fantastic. Having its own car park is also a big plus.”
• B&B Compagnons11, 11, rue des Compagnons, 7000 Mons: “Very nice hosts, friendly and helpful. The house is in a perfect position withing walking distance from the city center and the train station.”
• B&B A la Malogne, Rue de l’Espinette 224, 7033 Mons: “Large accommodation with kitchenette and living room separate from the loft bedroom. The hosts were lovely and offered much information about Mons.”
• B&B La Chrysalide, 231 Rue de l’Espinette, 7033 Mons: “Exceptional breakfast, friendly welcome, room and private bathroom, perfectly maintained, neat decoration. I recommend.”
• Château La Fontaine, 90 Rue Emile Vandervelde, 7033 Mons: “It was amazing. Better than the pictures. So much space and very nicely decorated. Comfortable beds, plenty of hot water, great shower, spacious.”

Of course there are many other accommodation possibilities in Mons. Feel free to use the link below to explore them:

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.