Pepijn Kennis

Fair Ground Brussels is a cooperative real estate developer working to make land and housing a common good. Founded by a network of Brussels-based civil society organizations, Fair Ground creates affordable homes and sustainable spaces for collective use, outside the logic of speculation. Its model relies on long leaseholds (emphytéoses), ensuring properties remain available for communities in the long term. In 2024, the cooperative expanded significantly through a merger with LivingStones, nearly doubling its portfolio to 16 projects, 67 occupied homes, and 9 associative spaces. New acquisitions included the Palais project in Schaerbeek, combining housing with a women’s day center and shelter in partnership with L’Ilot, and the Otlet building in Anderlecht, with 10 affordable units and activity spaces. The Serkeyn project in Jette was inaugurated, offering housing for people exiting homelessness, while Nova Casa Vesta in Forest progressed with European FEDER support. Fair Ground Brussels finances its work through cooperative shares, ethical loans, and strong partnerships with public and nonprofit actors. Guided by democratic governance (“one member, one vote”), the cooperative reinvests all surpluses into future projects. Its mission is clear: to develop non-speculative real estate that addresses housing needs while strengthening social ties and ecological resilience—forever.