Urban renewal project to improve area around Brussels Midi station

An urban renewal project for the area around the Gare du Midi station in Brussels has been formally submitted for public inquiry next month.

A study for the project was first begun in April 2021, Bruzz reports, and it took a little over a year to complete a draft programme.

“As an international gateway to Brussels, this area really cannot wait any longer now and is in urgent need of a thorough refurbishment,” said state secretary for urban planning Pascal Smet.

The changes would affect the communes of Saint-Gilles, Anderlecht and the City of Brussels. Works are planned for the areas surrounding Gare du Midi including the approach roads of Rue Veeartsen, Rue de France and Rue Bara.

Three priority areas have been identified in the programme: the Esplanade de l'Europe, the heart of the station and the future Deux Gares complex.

Works aimed at social cohesion around the area are planned, along with a focus on redevelopment of public spaces, the creation of additional housing and public facilities, a response to the high poverty and homelessness, and issues such as access to healthcare.

“Today, the government has set the beacons for the redevelopment of the neighbourhood,” Smet said.

“We will now use them in the project meetings and when we examine the applications to keep the proposed layout of the district on track.”

The total cost of the redevelopment is estimated at €68.5 million and includes some 40 works, which the urban renewal contract will fund to the tune of €22 million.

The draft programme will undergo public scrutiny in October for final approval in the spring of 2023.