

‘ONE DAY IN KOEKELBERG’
Local Initiative with Jean Goessens of BR.E.A.K
BIDs Koekelberg launches a partnership with local active pensioner Jean Goessens, of the non-profit organisation – Brussels Events Association Koekelberg, also know as BR.E.A.K.
Jean is an active pensioner and resided in Koekelberg. He had for the last two years, had a super idea of creating an ‘experience’ for visitors to the North side of Brussels, District.
The District is one of the smallest of the 19 municipalities of Brussels, with a population of approximately around 23,000. It is home to the amazing National Basilique of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg. A dominating Art Deco, Structure,located in Parc Elisabeth.
Together with Jean, we created a programme, that combined Tourism, Culture, Heritage and the Local Economy. We conducted local research, and filmed tourists and visitors to the area. The feedback was interesting and we established more awareness was required. More exposure on other interesting locations, that the municipality has to offer.
Linking visitors who visit the local area, to this programme, offers tourists the option to discover more about the local tourist destination, with local active Citizens from the area. Also, to experience and make the most of their visit. Tourist destinations such, as the Brussels Aquarium, The Belgian Chocolate Village and to selection of local restaurants in the area. Further contributing to the socio/economic regeneration vision of BIDs Koekelberg, with local Partners and Authorities.
The project also tackles societal challenges. With bringing together a multi-generation collaboration, between Rozina Spinnoy of BIDs Belgium and Jean Goessens of BR.E.A.K. Both local residents, who are passionate about creating a sense of ‘community’. Jean also brings together local Pensioners, his network and many years of valuable experience. Rozina, continues to bring the creative, research and networking elements. Along, with the much needed design skills with ‘designing’ the programmes.
The project has been a community driven initiative, with local and regional partners including, De Platoo, Aquarium, Visit Brussels and the Basilique of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg.
The Municipality is having somewhat of a reputation of being the ‘Chocolate’ Municipality. With the launch of the stunning new Fountain in late Summer, which was inaugurated by Brussels Region. The Fountain symbolised a cocoa bean. Brussels Region, kindly gave us permission to use their amazing photograph, that features on our cover.
There is the world re-knowned Godiva Factory, located near the main hub underground station of Simonis. More recently, we have the stunning location of Belgian Chocolatier, Frederic Blondeel and his Chocolatier Roastery.
It seems only natural, to take the essence of the Municipality ‘DNA’. Whilst, working together with local, active Citizens and create some positive dynamics for community collaborations.
‘ART & CHOCOLATE EVENT’
Launching ‘One Day in Koekelberg – ‘Cricou’ Smiling ART Exhibition – Chocolate Tasting
at Frederic Blondeel, Chocolate & Coffee Roastery
An amazing cross-sector collaboration in Koekelberg municipality, was arranged for December 1st.
A collaboration organised by a variety of partner of Cricou – Smiling Art, Frederic Blondeel, Bo Flowers, Wijn Imports, Belgian Beer Brands. Initiated by BIDs Belgium / BIDs Koekelberg and BR.E.A.K.
A super event and programme, that launched ‘One Day in Koekelberg’. With local Citizens, Entrepreneurs and the local Public Administration representatives: Local Economy Alderman, Steve Huyge; Veronique Capelle representative of the elderly community in Koekelberg, Khadijah Zamouri, member of the Brussels Parliament.
All were given an background and personal tour from Frederic Blondeel. Speaking passionately about the chocolate making process, of the cacao beans sourcing from Madagascar to Costa Rica.
The Art from ‘Cricou’ and Christian sharing the storytelling from his creations, in which he recycles just about everything, to make his sculptures from broken teacups to wire coat hangers! The Belgian Beers from Belgian Beer Brands and three Flanders Brewers of De Troch, De Block and Contreras..paired with careful research, with the dark, light and fruit chocolates. Along with the wines and bubbles, from Wijn Imports. All in the wonderful candlelit setting of the beautiful colours of fresh roses, from Bo Flowers.
Creating an amazing warm ambience in the Chocolate & Coffee Roastery for all. We had some amazing photos taken of the event, which we’ll post some more of soon.
Thanks to all that supported the event!