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€20 million to develop Brussels’ pedestrian zone
A budget of €20 million has been earmarked for the development over three years of the pedestrian zone in the centre of Brussels. Beliris, the body which cooperates with the Brussels Capital Region and the federal level on the promotion of Brussels, gave its green light to the budgetary agreement yesterday.
The funds are set to be spent on a number of improvements to the area. Three metro stations will be renovated and De Brouckère square, at the heart of the pedestrian zone, will be re-designed and include such features as a fountain and a major work of art.
"Pocket gardens" will be constructed along Boulevard Anspach, which will also have two lanes for slow traffic. A pond will be constructed near the Bourse and the whole area around it reworked. Simple contemporary urban furniture will also be placed along the streets and dustbins will be equipped with wi-fi to indicate when they are full.
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Ridiculous and pathetic. Mayeur is not even an elected official. What a waste of money at a time when funds for important/vital services are supposed to be in short supply. No amount of money is going to transform the area into something it isn't. Do they think it will become a crime-free, vandalism-free zone?
Excellent news. The pre-metro stations, particularly Bourse, are in real need of deep cleaning and renovation. Looking forward to seeing the results in the area.
I agree with ANON2. A decision of this magnitude made by an unelected official with no public consultation. You would think there were other priorities BEFORE adding ... a pond ... to the Bourse ... like maybe cleaning up the graffiti which has scarred this city? Or improving all the metro network (and not just cleaning up 3 central stations)? I just got back from Barcelona and was just amazed by the public transport infrastructure. Contrast that with Brussels where to get to the "train" to the airport (cost €8.50!!) there is the thrilling experience of having to carry one's luggage up and down stairs as there are no lifts at the Gare du Nord or the Gare Centrale (where there is one lift but it is broken until further notice). If you are handicapped in this wretched city, you have no chance. Oh, but we can always go and visit the "pond" at the Bourse and imagine how a properly funded city might actually look like.... Whatever.
Timing will be key for this project. It feels like Art-Loi and Schuman stations have been torn up about as long as I've lived in Brussels (7 years). There really is no good excuse for taking so long with urban infrastructure projects. I don't disagree with improving the center of Brussels, but will 3 years turn into 30?
On another note third commenter, if Brussels is such a wretched city, why not make the next ticket to Barcelona one-way?
In reply to Taggartdavis... Lamentably, some of us are stuck here in this wretched city....for now.... The minute I can get away from Brussels, it will be like Escape from Alcatraz....