2023-10-11 09:04:00
One by one, the paving stones of one of the most emblematic squares in Brussels are being removed. Place Royale, known for its majestic statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, will be under construction for two years. An “identical” makeover, which kicked off this Wednesday morning.
“It took 7 years to build the square… but it won’t take 7 years to redevelop it,” jokes Philippe Close (PS). The project will in fact last two years. A timing that allows us to comfortably fit into the perspective of the country’s bicentenary, in 2030.
Here is the future Place Royale in Brussels: finished the roundregarding, 85% of the space will be pedestrian (PHOTOS)
The aim of the authorities, nothing more and nothing less, is to transform “this place where we pass by chance” into a “place of destination”, indicates Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).
“This place deserves patience”
The project, which costs no less than 8 million euros, had been in the works for decades. But Beliris, at the helm of the site, has been seriously looking into the matter for ten years. “This place deserved patience,” notes Karine Lalieux (PS).
In essence, the place will not change. The redevelopment is intended to be “identical”. The neoclassical appearance will therefore be preserved, as will 80% of the paving stones. The only big change: the organization of traffic and public transport. No more big roundregarding. The current configuration reserves 80% of the space for automobile traffic. In the future development, the lanes will be concentrated and the traffic space will be only 15%, informs State Secretary Ans Persoons (Vooruit). “The space will be returned to pedestrians and cyclists.” A large esplanade will thus be freed up on the side of the Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg Church.
The tram rails, in poor condition, will be replaced, but also moved. A new configuration which will take up less space, and will allow possible future developments of the network, such as the connection of Brussels Central station to Avenue de la Couronne via Place Royale and Place du Palais.
A new redevelopment project for Place Royale subject to a public inquiry
Of course, there is no construction site without traffic problems. Traffic on trams 92 and 93 will be interrupted very soon, between October 21 and November 3. Temporary rails will then be placed allowing traffic to resume.
Another change to come: the lighting of the square will be completely revised and improved. “Like at Notre-Dame de Laeken”, promises Minister Lalieux.
Here is the future Place Royale: finished the roundregarding, 85% of the space will be pedestrian ©Beliris
Trees ?
On social networks, voices were raised denouncing the absence of trees on the plans. A point that does not leave Ans Persoons indifferent. “Historically, there are no trees in neoclassical squares. However, we will need to think regarding this in the future. Because alongside heritage issues, there are climate issues.”
The trees of Place de la Liberté threatened: the Royal Commission on Monuments and Sites demands that they be cut down to… restore the perspectives
A few steps away, Place de la Liberté is the subject of a standoff over this issue. The City of Brussels does not accept the injunctions of the Royal Commission on Monuments and Sites and refuses to cut down the trees. An appeal has been filed and a decision is expected early next year.
1697022132
#Place #Royale #historic #heart #Brussels #construction #years
