London-based architects Sergison Bates have won an international contest to design a new performing arts centre in the medieval quarter of Leuven, Belgium.

The €60m (US$67.1m, £51.6m) project will see the Sint-Pieters Hospital, which dates to the 11th century, transformed into a 10,000 sq m multi-use structure with concert halls, rehearsal rooms, and lounge areas.

"This will be more like a cultural platform than a conventional arts venue," explained the architects.

Other firms attached to the scheme include Vogt Landscape Architects, Eld VN, and Charcoalblue.

"One of the great strengths from the design vision of Sergison Bates architects is that the new building is very nicely embedded in the unique historical heritage environment," said Leuven councillor Carl Devlies.

He added: "The Romanesque Gate, the old Sint-Pieters guest house, and the Predikheren church form an integral part of the project and the site."

The design competition brought together 65 architecture firms, among which were Mecanoo and Henning-Larsen.

The new hub – praised by Devlies as the "cornerstone" of Leuven's urban renewal – is projected to be operational by 2027.