The Hippodrome of Uccle-Boitsfort: between heritage and renewal

On the edge of the Sonian Forest, the Uccle-Boitsfort Hippodrome long echoed with the sound of galloping thoroughbreds and cheering crowds. For several decades, this remarkable 32.5-hectare site, which has stood the test of time, was in need of renewal. This is where the Region and the SAU stepped in…

When the Brussels-Capital Region granted the SAU a 99-year emphyteutic lease, it assigned it a dual mission: to restore the site’s architectural gems and to reinvent it as a recreational and family-friendly space. The first phase of this major project focused on restoring the Grand and Small Stands, iconic witnesses to the splendour of the late 19th century, as well as the Weighing Building and the Judges’ Tower. These meticulous renovations, completed within two years, restored the site’s former glory.

During the second phase, the two betting halls, the two entrances, the former forest house, and the tunnel passing under the former racetrack were renovated. In parallel, a major upgrade of the water, electricity, and sewage networks was launched in 2023 to ensure a functional and sustainable site. The final phase, which began in 2024 and included the heritage restoration of the Grand Stable located at the site entrance and the barn, was completed in 2025.

A project looking to the future

Restoring is good. Bringing it back to life is even better. To ensure the development, management, activation, and operation of the site, the SAU granted a 20-year concession to the company Drohme and entered into a partnership with Brussels Environment to turn it into a large-scale recreational and educational green space of regional importance. The Region’s objective is to transform the site into a hub of recreational, educational, cultural, and sporting activities benefiting all Brussels residents, and families and nature lovers in particular.

“Restoring is good. Bringing it back to life is even better.”

The programme, jointly developed by the three partners, provides for a division of responsibilities allowing for complementary environmental, educational, cultural, sporting, and heritage uses and activities. In this context, several initiatives have emerged: cultural and sporting events, educational trails, and a leisure meadow offering multiple uses (walking, reading, sports, etc.). The former racetrack adjacent to the golf course is being redeveloped by Brussels Environment into a genuine linear park, strengthening the connection with the Sonian Forest.

Gradually, the former racecourse, the Uccle-Boitsfort Hippodrome, is becoming a regional attraction hub.

Did you know?

The Boitsfort Hippodrome, located in Uccle despite its name, was inaugurated in 1875 by the Society for the Promotion of Horse Breeds and the Development of Horse Racing in Belgium. It is the first racecourse in the Brussels region, reflecting the strong enthusiasm for equestrian sports at the time.

From its opening, the hippodrome hosted flat and steeplechase races, including the prestigious Grand Prix of Brussels. Its track, characterised by tight curves and a right-handed layout (clockwise), offered spectators close-up views of the competitions, although this configuration did not suit all horses.

During its golden age between 1880 and 1940, the Boitsfort Hippodrome was a popular meeting place for Brussels’ bourgeoisie and aristocracy. In addition to horse racing, the site hosted social events such as fashion shows and celebrations. A tram line was even built to facilitate access for the many spectators. However, after the Second World War, the popularity of horse racing gradually declined.

History:

• July 2014: to ensure the development of the recreational green space, the SAU-MSI has appointed a private concessionaire, the company Droh!me, for a period of 15 years.
• August 2014: the SAU-MSI launched the ambitious renovation project of the four most emblematic buildings of the racecourse: the large grandstand, the small grandstand, the weighing building and the referees' tower. The restored buildings were delivered at the beginning of summer 2016 and inaugurated in mid-September 2016.
• November 2020: the programming and governance of the activation of the old racecourse were reviewed: Brussels Environment is now also in charge of the redevelopment and management of the old horse riding track into a linear sports and family park, as well as a relaxation meadow inside the ring.
• December 2020: the SAU-MSI began a new campaign to restore buildings on the site: the two main entrances, the two betting halls, the tunnel under the old racing ring and the forester's house.  The work was completed early 2022.
• March 2024: the 3rd phase of work began, resuming the restoration of the Stable located near the main entrance and the restoration of the barn, in collaboration with Brussels Environment.
• September 2025: completion of the renovation works on the Barn and the Stable.