Goodbye carpark: Plans to redevelop Place du Châtelain

When is the last time you thought to yourself: ‘Boy, Châtelain could be a really nice place if they wanted it to be.’ Well, they finally want it to be.

Brussels’ Master Architect has put out a call for proposals for the complete renewal of Place du Châtelain. Design proposals are asked to include options for resurfacing the square, making it car-free and incorporating green space.

“Place du Châtelain has lost some of its shine and energy over the last 10 years,” said the Master Architect’s office in a statement. “Its reputation as a carpark, the poor state of the pavement and the sad-looking trees make it a less attractive place than squares in bordering neighbourhoods. This devalues the shops as well as the famous Wednesday market.”

The redevelopment project will include all of Châtelain, on either side of Rue Armand Campenhout, as well as Rue Simonis, which runs along the northern side of the square. “The ultimate goal,” said the office, “is to make this the real city square it once was and reclaim its status as the heart of the neighbourhood.”

Proposals from urban designers and landscape architects are due by 21 September.

Photo courtesy Google