After 23 years of vibrant nightlife, the legendary discotheque Versuz in Hasselt is set to close its doors as a fixed club location on May 17, 2025. Owner Yves Smolders announced the transition, confirming that while the traditional club will cease operations, the Versuz brand will continue as a flexible event concept.
Versuz, which opened on April 27, 2002, at the Slachthuiskaai, quickly became a prominent name in Belgium's nightlife scene. Over the years, it has hosted world-renowned artists including Tiësto, David Guetta, and The Chainsmokers, establishing itself as a hotspot for music lovers. The club's move to the Grenslandhallen in 2013 marked a significant turning point, allowing it to incorporate cutting-edge technology such as an 80m² LED wall and a gourmet meat restaurant with a champagne bar.
Despite its storied history, the decision to close the club comes as no surprise. In recent years, Smolders noted a decline in attendance, attributing it to changing preferences among younger audiences. “Today, customers need more experience and are more selective about events or DJs,” he explained. “Young people no longer go to the same club every weekend; they seek unique events.” This shift in consumer behavior has prompted the club to rethink its approach, leading to the decision to transform into a more versatile event space.
The redevelopment of the current site will take place from May to September 2025, resulting in a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that will officially reopen on September 18, 2025. The new facility will boast advanced technologies in lighting, sound, and visitor comfort, and will feature both the existing Versuz hall, which holds 2,800 guests, and the adjacent Area V, which accommodates 1,200. Together, these spaces will be able to host events for up to 4,000 attendees.
While the traditional club format is being phased out, Smolders assures that the essence of Versuz will live on through themed nights and special events. “By breaking free from a fixed location, we can respond more flexibly to trends,” he stated. The new venue aims to fill a gap in the Hasselt area by offering a compact, modern event and concert hall that caters to a variety of performances.
In addition to the changes, the popular summer bar and the Ipanema concept will be replaced by a new initiative called The Backyard, which promises a fresh summer atmosphere and a glimpse into the future of the Versuz brand. This evolution reflects a broader trend in nightlife, where patrons are increasingly looking for unique experiences rather than repetitive club nights.
Versuz has held a prestigious spot in the DJ Mag Top 100 Best Clubs since 2015, often representing Belgium in the rankings. The club celebrated its 23rd anniversary last month with a performance by American DJ Steve Aoki, a testament to its enduring appeal in the competitive nightlife landscape.
As the final days of the classic Versuz approach, the community reflects on the memories and experiences that have defined the club over the years. From its inception as The Dockside to its current status as a cultural icon, Versuz has played a significant role in shaping the nightlife of Hasselt and beyond.
With the upcoming transformation, there’s a sense of anticipation about what the new venue will bring. Smolders hopes that the revamped space will attract both local and international artists, making Hasselt a destination for live performances rather than a stopover for acts heading to larger cities like Antwerp.
In conclusion, while the closure of Versuz as a fixed club marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to a new chapter that promises innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving nightlife scene. As Smolders aptly put it, “It’s time to think broader; we feel that in everything.”
