Place Sainte-Cathérine regains some public space

On Brussels' Place Sainte-Cathérine, four benches will be returned to the public, and the space allotted to café and restaurant terraces on the square will be reduced, announced economy minister Marion Lemesre on Monday in the Brussels city council. The admission comes after the collective Free 54 campaigned against the expansion of the terraces and the commercialisation of public space, writes Bruzz.

The Free 54 campaign 'Saint-Cathérine, Free for All' last week returned to occupy the square in a continued effort to reclaim the public space, and the action has paid off.

"They blackmailed the people with their noise and nuisance all day and night, keeping them awake," said Lemesre. "But we will now make some concessions. The four benches that were removed will be reinstalled, and the area set aside for the terraces will be reduced."