Place Meiser redevelopment gets go-ahead

Plans to redevelop Place Meiser, a major intersection in Schaerbeek notorious for its traffic safety problems, have been granted the go-head from Brussels’ council of ministers, with works to start by summer 2027.

The project involves transforming the large roundabout by creating two separate intersections - an intersection to manage the Boulevard Reyers/Wahis axis and a separate intersection to manage traffic flows from the other adjoining roads: Rue Ernest Cambier, Avenue Rogier, Chaussée de Louvain and Avenue Plasky.

The project also eliminates the diagonal crossing of the square by tram tracks, which Brussels Mobility said would simplify the management of public transport stops.

“The aim is to give the Place Meiser the status of a real multimodal hub, linked to the nearby Meiser rail station,” the agency said.

“Pedestrians and cyclists will have dedicated, wider and safer spaces in which to circulate. This new configuration will improve road safety and traffic flow for all modes of transport.”

Also included in the plans is the development of green spaces.

“Getting rid of the roundabout means there will be much more space to develop genuine green spaces and make Place Meiser a pleasant meeting place, with the planting of numerous trees in the open ground - about 100 trees will brighten up the space - and the creation of flowerbeds,” Brussels Mobility said.

“The development project incorporates sustainable and integrated rain water management principles. About one fifth of the space will be vegetalised.”

The government also approved the redevelopment of Chaussée de Ninove between Boulevard Mettewie and Brussels-West station, whose plans had previously caused discontent among local authorities. The municipality of Anderlecht issued a negative recommendation last year, saying too many parking spaces would be lost.

Place Arthur Van Gehuchten, on the border of Jette and Laeken, is also set for a makeover.