Flores & Prats and Ouest Architecture have won a competition to convert a derelict old theatre and music hall into an open, inclusive public space.

The Ancien Théâtre des Variétés was originally designed by modernist architect Victor Bourgeois and built in the 1930s.

Having been converted into a Cinerama venue in the 1960s, it was eventually abandoned in the 1980s.

Now, the 5,000sq m (54,000sq ft) building will be reactivated for hosting the social agenda programme of its new owner Bruxelles Laïque.

The building's shape and materials will be retained where possible, honouring its history, and it will be converted to house two theatres, offices, dressing rooms, a café-bar and an open forum space.

Its large, open atrium – characterised by the architects as an interior urban square – will host debates, art and music performances.

In announcing its decision, the competition jury stated: "The spaces, volumes and materials of the project are of great quality and they benefit, among other things, from great interior luminosity. The project is strongly determined by the installation of a very high skylight providing zenithal light in the heart of the plot up to the forum level. The work on the listed façade and its enhancement are very much appreciated, as well as the creation of an interior street linking Rue de Malines and Rue Saint Pierre."

Flores & Prats said: "Together with Bruxelles Laïque and our team of experts, we will work on adding a new chapter to this historic building by converting it into a new International Laboratory for Artistic Creation."