Schuman plaza's inauguration postponed

The festive inauguration of the newly-renovated Schuman plaza that was originally scheduled for Monday has been postponed by project-owner Beliris.

Brussels minister-president Boris Dilliès (MR) and Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) were reportedly both unable to attend because they were scheduled to meet Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte for a tour of its headquarters.

A new date has not yet been set.

The redevelopment of the new Schuman roundabout has already faced a great deal of criticism throughout the beleaguered design and construction process.

Ballooning costs resulted in a downscaling of the original ambitious design.

The absence of the originally planned large canopy and the lack of greenery have earned the square the nickname "the frying pan of Europe" because of the high temperatures expected from such a large concrete expanse.

Beliris is a joint venture between the Belgian state and the Brussels region. It carries out construction, renovation and restoration projects in a variety of sectors including transport, social housing and green spaces.