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Works on Brussels pedestrian zone to begin soon
Infrastructure works on the pedestrian zone in central Brussels will begin in late August or early September, according to a spokesperson for Beliris, the project manager, speaking to Bruzz. “We don’t have an exact start date,” Ellen Deswaef said. “But it will be before October, in any case.”
The central avenues in Brussels have now been closed to traffic for just over two years. While barriers stop traffic and some street furniture has been placed, the basic infrastructure remains as it was when the road was open.
Brussels-City, has elaborate plans for the final version of the zone, including a unified ground surface in blue stone, as well as green space, fountains, smart rubbish bins and a cycle lane. The total project has an estimated cost of €33 million.
The timing of the start and duration of the project depends on whether there are any more legal challenges. One group of retailers in the zone met with the city council earlier this week for talks, after which a spokesperson said the issue was more likely to have a peaceful resolution now that former mayor Yvan Mayeur – a fervent supporter of the zone – is no longer in office.
The planned works will take place between Place Fontainas and Place De Brouckère, including some side-streets, but excludes Beursplein. As part of the listed zone for the historic centre of Brussels, that section of the works is subject to a different procedure.
Photo: Jean-Luc Flémal/BELGA
Comments
What a huge amount of money that could be better spent on Improving the conditions and facilities in some of the poorer communes.
Why does it need to appear uniform? Glad my local tax goes to a different commune as I reside outside of Bxl
I agree with CC_R. How much more money do these diehards intend to waste on the pathetic pedestrian zone? 33 million euros? It's not as if it's in an attractive or interesting part of town. And Mayeur's cronies still in power are determined to continue wasting taxpayers' money? Can't they be stopped?
As one who lives downtown I love the pedestrian zone and am looking forward to the completion of the project with lots of trees, and great urban furniture etc. It is absolutely not a waste of money and will be an incredible asset when it is finished. Already now, in its unimproved state it is extremely popular.