€20m facelift planned for Central Station metro

One of Brussels' busiest metro stops - Central Station - will undergo €20 million of major renovations starting from next year, it has been announced.

The underground station will be increased in size by 40%, with wider and more comfortable walkways and platforms, improved security and better disabled access.

The changes will also make it possible for trains to call at the station more efficiently, saving on journey times.

The renovation was approved by Brussels' regional parliament before the elections, but was put on hold to avoid clashing with the major works on the nearby pedestrian zone.

Public transport operator Stib has now signed a memorandum of understanding with the Brussels region and public works body Beliris, which sets out how the project will proceed.

A Stib spokeswoman said: "The planning permits have been issued but there's still some work to be done on the administrative side. We hope that work can start in September 2020."

Central Station will be the 20th of Brussels' old metro stations to undergo a significant facelift.