Schuman area redesign could begin later this year

A major plan to transform the Schuman roundabout into an "urban meeting place" primarily for pedestrians has moved a step closer, with the filing of a planning application.

A joint Belgian-Danish architectural project was selected in 2017 from 20 applicants to redesign the busy intersection, creating an open-air forum under a metal canopy, and a pedestrian area stretching from the European Council's new building to the edge of the Cinquantenaire park.

The Brussels region announced on Friday that the application for planning permission had now been filed. A public inquiry into the changes is likely after the elections and construction work could begin later this year.

The planning application comes after about a year of consultations with local residents and businesses, which has seen the initial winning bid slightly modified.

Traffic will only be allowed along the main city centre-bound route from Avenue de Cortenbergh to Rue de la Loi.

The Rue de la Loi stretch between Schuman and Cinquantenaire park will be fully pedestrianised and the Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée next to Cinquantenaire park will become a two-way street. Five Stib bus lines - including the airport bus - will need to rerouted.

The total budget for the project is €7.78 million.