Brussels’ pedestrian zone to be extended

On 29 June, the pedestrian zone in the centre of Brussels will be extended from 35 to 50 hectares, reports De Morgen. There are already a number of streets around the Grand Place that are designated car-free zones, and this summer the busy Place de la Bourse and Avenue Anspach (pictured) will join the list.

The reconstruction of the area, which is scheduled for completion by early 2018, includes the creation of a 3,250 square metre green area. The newly pedestrianised streets will initially be partitioned off with fences and plant boxes, and later by retractable poles, to redirect traffic away from the central avenues.

Mobility organisation Touring and the Brussels chamber of commerce have reacted with scepticism, requesting alternative measures, such as an extension of the metro network. "The detours and small ring are not optimised to accommodate the overflow of traffic," according to protestors. "Without adequate alternatives, the plan will only create more chaos."