Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels Expo reopened Palace 1 as Terminal 1, a 10,000 m² digital centre with gaming and tech attractions. CEO Denis Delforge expects 1 million visitors yearly within 3 years.
As VRT News reported, Palace 1 at the Heysel has been renamed Terminal 1 and officially reopened as a new digital entertainment centre at Brussels Expo. The hall, once used for major trade fairs, has been turned into a 10,000-square-meter experience space filled with technology and gaming attractions.
According to Denis Delforge, CEO of Brussels Expo, Terminal One is unique:
“I don’t know of any other similar offering. It’s a mix of experience and encounters, so you’re not sitting at home behind a screen, but the technology has to draw you here.”
What makes Brussels Expo’s Terminal 1 the new digital landmark at Heysel?
Visitors to Terminal 1 can explore a large immersive exhibition on Pompeii, which uses projections and sound effects to recreate the ancient city. The venue also includes an e-sports arena where competitions are hosted, an interactive karting track, and a Formula 1 simulator offering a lifelike racing experience.
The creation of Terminal 1 is part of Brussels Expo’s plan to modernise and attract new audiences. The site will no longer be used for traditional fairs, focusing instead on permanent and interactive experiences. The management expects to welcome 1M visitors annually within 3 years.
The change from Palace 1 to Terminal 1 is part of a larger plan to renew the Heysel site in Brussels. The area has a long history as a venue for major events since it 1 opened in 1935 for the World Expo. Over time, the halls at Brussels Expo have hosted trade fairs, concerts, and international exhibitions. In recent years, fewer visitors have attended traditional fairs, leading to a move toward more interactive and digital attractions.
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