2023-11-01 07:56:40
Planning permission granted for the complete redevelopment of the Schuman roundabout and its surroundings. This is a green light for the construction of a giant canopy in the center of the square.
This project led by former Brussels minister Pascal Smet (Vooruit. brussels) follows an international competition won by the architectural offices COBE and BRUT. A project which has also raised a lot of criticism. From the Monuments and Sites Commission, first of all for whom the awning, a green roof 6 meters high and made of mirrors, will spoil the perspective towards the arcades of the Cinquantenaire. From the Jean Monnet traders’ association for whom the planned renovation work will cost too much and the pedestrianization of the roundabout will be harmful for local commerce.
Negative remarks that were not heard with this permit today issued. Conversely, this project took into consideration the comments of the municipality of Etterbeek. In 2021, after issuing a first permit, the company threatened to lodge an appeal if the plans retained the one-way designation of Avenue de la Joyeuse Ouverte, an artery included in the perimeter of the site in the same way as avenue de Cortenbergh or part of rue de la Loi.
Finally, a new permit application was submitted with the two meanings maintained. It is this permit which today obtains a green light.
“A large pedestrian zone will be created all around the square (Schuman), with benches, shrubs and nearly 100 new trees. The area of Petite rue de la Loi will also be completely redeveloped“, recalls in any case the office of Ans Persoons (Vooruit. brussels), Brussels Secretary of State for Urban Planning. “The Cinquantenaire park will thus be connected to the square and it will be possible to reach the Council and Commission buildings on foot in the form of a promenade. The new Place Schuman will thus constitute the new entrance to the Cinquantenaire park. Car traffic will be limited between avenue de Cortenbergh and rue de la Loi. A safe ocher-colored cycle path will connect these two axes.“
A new symbol of Europe
“From a car roundabout, Schuman can now be transformed into a real public square in the heart of the European district“, this Ans Persoons. “The new Place Schuman will become a new symbol of Europe in Brussels and will mark an important step in the evolution of the European district towards a mixed and human-scale district. Planted and tree-lined, pedestrianized, with cycle paths, the new Place Schuman illustrates our ambition and that of the European institutions in terms of transforming cities into places of destination, living, greenery and meeting places. Thanks to this project, Brussels is increasingly asserting its status as Capital of Europe“.
For Elke Van den Brandt (Groen), Minister of Mobility, “consultation and collective intelligence have done their job and I am delighted. Today we have a project for a more green and friendly place, safer for pedestrians and cyclists and more accessible for people with reduced mobility. These improvements will allow this place to ensure its role as the heart of Europe while being a peaceful and pleasant place to stay for local residents.“
For his part, for Philippe Close, mayor of Brussels, this permit “marks a new important milestone for the capital of Europe. Place Schuman and its surroundings will be redeveloped to create a real meeting place. As a reminder, this Brussels crossroads is the heart of Europe with its adjacent European institutions. The redevelopment will also better connect residents to spaces that were not always easily accessible. This is the 10-minute city project that is being built.”
Work will begin in the second half of November. Costs are estimated at 25 million euros. “As a reminder, the project was included in the federal government’s recovery plan, thanks to which it can count on European funding of 21 million euros, for a total cost of 25 million euros“, specifies the Ans Persoons firm.
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