The Syrup Factory in Borgloon is one of the last remnants of the industrial processing of fruit into syrup. The historical core of the steam syrup factory is transformed into a tourist zone consisting of; a fruit experience centre, regional product shop, party room and bistro named ‘De Smaakfabriek’, where top chef Giovani Oosters will serve regional cuisine. Bruns, in cooperation with design agency Bailleul, has ensured that the visitor can immediately taste the rich past among the monumental industrial machines. Borgloon will be a meeting- and experience place that shows residents and visitors the inseparable link between fruit, syrup and Borgloon.
Visitors of the fruit experience centre can, partly due to the audio-visual effects of Create, discover the story of the Haspengouwse fruit and its processing. They follow, based on fun and educational experience modules, at their own tempo the way that a delicious piece of Loons fruit travels.
Photography: Bailleul Ontwerpbureau