Petition successful to save trees on Parvis de Saint-Gilles

The Brussels commune of Saint-Gilles has changed its plan for the redevelopment of 'the Parvis', its main square, in response to pressure from the community after locals started a petition against the initial plan's intent to fell nearly all of the square's trees. According to the updated plan, the Parvis will have a total of five plane trees, the steps between the different levels will be abolished and the square is to be extended with the addition of a third space lined with trees, between Rue de Moscou and Rue de la Victoire.

The consultative committee approved the plan for the redevelopment of the Parvis two weeks ago, but under three conditions, minister Thierry Van Campenhout explains on brusselnieuws.be. "One: there must be at least one public bench on the square. The residents want to be able to sit there without having to pay for a drink at one of the cafés. So we asked the consultancy to see where they can fit in some benches.”

A second requirement is to make the square accessible for disabled persons. The original design included small steps to separate the five different levels. These will disappear. "But the square is naturally inclined, so we have to come up with another solution," says Van Campenhout.

Taking public opinion into consideration, the third requirement calls for trees on the main square, and not only in front of the church. “These do not necessarily have to be the same trees that are already there," explains Cathy Marcus on brusselnieuws.be. Ten of the square's 12 trees will be cut down, however, as they are hazelnut trees and not suited for life in the city.

The commune has requested that the landscape architect in charge of the project, Bas Smets, incorporate new trees into the main square. "The two planes that are already there are doing well," says Marcus. "We want to preserve those trees, and plant a few more.”