Green light for Brussels-Midi station renovation

Brussels’ local government has given the green light to SNCB’s plans to renovate and extend its former postal sorting office at Midi train station, reports RTBF.

Located in Avenue Fonsny, the emblematic Tri Postal building closed its doors in April of this year. Refurbishment started immediately, but now the site is preparing for a full renovation. It includes the construction of an additional six floors that will extend the building’s height from 30 to 60 metres.

The extension will enable SNCB to house its entire staff at the site, freeing up space in the station for restaurants, shops, accommodation and conference rooms.

But the project has met some local resistance. Neighbourhood committee Midi moins une is petitioning against the extension. “Locals will have a 300 plus metre wall in front of them,” said spokesperson Raphaël Rastelli.

SNCB spokesperson Marianne Hiernaux responded that it shouldn’t be a problem as recent studies showed that only the train tracks would be overshadowed by the extended building.

Photo: Tri Postal in Brussels © communa.be