Green light to green up Brussels' European quarter

Brussels’ agency urban.brussels, which implements the region’s policy on urbanism and cultural heritage, has granted planning permission to completely redevelop Rue Guimard in the city's EU quarter.

The aim is to transform the grey concrete street currently dominated by 85 parking spaces into a green artery.

“Rue Guimard will become a new green oasis that connects the city centre and European district,” said outgoing Brussels state secretary for urban development and heritage, Ans Persoons (Vooruit).

“This is an important first step towards a more pleasant European district. Our ambition is to transform the district into an attractive place to live, thanks to a high quality public area full of trees.”

The redevelopment will include rearranging the angled parking spaces, that are dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, to create 41 parallel spots, and widening the pavements.

The street’s existing 35 tall trees, currently suffering from too little space, causing their roots to push up the road surface, will be preserved in the new layout.

In addition, the section of road from Rue du Commerce to Square Frère-Orban will become one-way. To improve the comfort and mobility of cyclists and pedestrians, the plan also includes the installation of 30 bicycle racks and street furniture.

Rue Guimard is the first street that the City of Brussels is redesigning according to a new masterplan for the greening of the European Quarter, that stretches from the Cinquantenaire park to the Avenue des Arts.

“We are setting the tone for a neighbourhood that is no longer dominated by concrete and cars, but a mixed neighbourhood where it is pleasant to stay,” said Brussels city councillor Anaïs Maes.

“More than 1,000m² of the street will be de-paved – which means less flooding, more biodiversity and a more pleasant city for everyone,” she said.

The green areas will also be planted with three more trees, perennial plants, ornamental grasses and shrubs. The plants were selected based on factors such as colour and their flowering period, with a priority given to species attractive to butterflies and bees.

Maes said that with these changes, instead of being an area full of offices, “the city wants to turn the European Quarter into a mixed neighbourhood with many more residents, facilities, hotels and restaurants”.