Geleen – The municipality of Sittard-Geleen has officially handed over the key to the monumental former town hall to Stadslabs Sittard Geleen. This marks the next step in the development of City Room M1: a new social space where residents, organisations and visitors can meet, work, learn and collaborate.
The Old Town Hall at Markt 1 is set to gain an open and social purpose. In early 2026, City Room M1 will open its doors. It will be a flexible venue where activities, conversations, workshops and creative initiatives come together.
Leon Geilen, Chief Executive, who handed over the key on behalf of the municipality, commented, “The Old Town Hall will gain a new soul. City Room M1 will be a place where people find one another, where ideas are born and where the city grows. We are giving a historic building back to the residents, in a way that fits Geleen’s future.”
Chris Veerkamp of Stadslabs Sittard Geleen added, “With City Room M1, we are extending our network of places in the city where everyone is welcome. This is not a traditional office or meeting space, but a vibrant meeting place that adapts to the needs of different user groups in the city. Together with residents, organisations and volunteers, we are making this town hall a home for the city once again.”
City Room M1 builds on existing social spaces, such as M35 at Markt 35. Organisations long active in these spaces, including COC Limburg, Club Zilver, Zuyderland, Jong&Out and various local social initiatives, will have extra room to grow and collaborate.
City Room M1 is part of the wider GL1 initiative, in which the municipality, entrepreneurs, residents and social institutions work together towards a vibrant and future-proof city centre. The project supports the shift from a ‘Place to Buy’ to a ‘Place to Meet & Experience’.
The key handover also marks the start of the building’s furnishing. Stadslabs is working with volunteers, makers, organisations and local residents. The interior will be partly circular, using recycled materials from other social spaces.
Social Spaces are meeting places developed by Stadslabs in vacant or underused buildings. The key principle is shared use: one space does not have one fixed user, but is shared by various groups. This creates a lively setting where people can meet, work, learn and create.
Social Spaces help reduce vacancy and bring new energy to the city. Existing Social Spaces include Workshop M34, City Room M35, breeding ground Sjoenk and De Makerij.
Stadslabs Sittard Geleen is a public innovation hub working on the city’s future. The foundation develops places and projects that connect residents, organisations and entrepreneurs. By starting small and building together, Stadslabs helps turn social challenges into practical opportunities for the city and its community.
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