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Brussels releases details of plans for streets and squares

11:21 23/09/2014

Brussels-City council has revealed some of its plans for the central avenues – Anspachlaan and Adolphe Max, including the main squares Fontainas, Bourse and De Brouckère.

The latest details are part of a project aimed at making the centre of the city more agreeable for pedestrians, shoppers and tourists, by decreasing the amount of traffic in the central avenues and opening up the area to other forms of activity.

Earlier this year, the council released preliminary information, which involved diverting traffic in a loop around the centre. That was met with criticism from groups with an interest in allowing drivers access to parts of the centre.

The latest plan begins at Fontainas, designated as “the garden,” a green space with a communal garden, linked to the nearby Fontainas Park. Then comes “the promenade” between Fontainas and Bourse (pictured), which will be traffic-free from Rue du Lombard, with wider pavements before that.

Bourse (dubbed “the urban theatre”) will be the scene of cultural activities, at the disposal of local organisations like La Monnaie opera house, Ancienne Belgique and Beursschouwburg. In time, the square will be dominated by the new Beer Temple.

Between Bourse and Brouckère comes a succession of small squares and decorative lighting. Finally, Brouckère (“the Agora”) will take over the role currently filled by the Bourse as the place for public demonstrations, like the massive Picnic the Streets, which has been held on Bourse a number of times over the last few years and which led to the decision by Brussels to take action on public demands.

“The central avenue is a subject a lot of people have opinions about,” said Ans Persoons, alderwoman for public participation. “We want to take those opinions into account, for example on where play areas or water features might be located.”

The council intends to involve residents in the development of the plan, she said. A round of consultations will begin on 29 September. 

Written by Alan Hope

Comments

lussi

Wow! It sounds like a great plan for Brussels centre, if just the public transportation would work properly!
The buses connecting my place, close to Schuman area, to the centre run every 20 - 30 minutes - during school periods !
No school no buses! Even on Wednesday they are reduced.
What a shame!
Congratulation to the Brussels-city council!!

Sep 24, 2014 17:43
ulrixco

Yes, at long last a pretty big step and some good sense ! Let car drivers enjoy the joys of commercial malls elsewhere, and let us enjoy the beauty of the city centre, which is quite another feel (without planes flying over the Grand Place, of course...). But the 'mini-ring-road' that seems to accompany this plan is a shame. And buses do not seem to be welcome in the centre any more, which is nonsense - they are used massively. Things are not quite settled yet, there's still some work to do to make this an excellent project. But congratulations, yes !

Sep 26, 2014 09:28