The project to redevelop the Place Royale in Brussels received a favorable opinion in the last days of October by the consultative committee of the City of Brussels. The redevelopment plan, announced in 2018 by the Brussels Region, had been relaunched after the modification of the plans carried by Beliris, the City of Brussels and the Brussels Secretary of State in charge of heritage and urbanism Pascal Smet.
The new project wishes to give the square a more pedestrian-friendly layout. The objective is to offer 85% of the space to pedestrians and 15% to motorized traffic.
The square will be mostly on one level and the traffic lanes will be modified. The natural stone sidewalks, dating from the 18th century, will be preserved, as will the lamp posts and paving stones already installed. Also, a green space will be added under the statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, and bicycle paths will also be provided. The new project, which had been under public inquiry until October 7th, received a favorable opinion, subject to certain conditions.
The conditions concern above all technical considerations concerning the sidewalks, the alignment of the streetcar rails and the posts defining the bicycle path, but also the integration of the bus stops located at the entrance of the rue de la Régence.
The consultative committee is asking for adaptations concerning the lighting and would like the project’s sponsors to ensure that the stability of the ground will not be compromised, particularly because of the presence of the Aula Magna in the basement.
The regional administration hopes to obtain an urban planning permit by 2022, after the plans have been modified to meet the conditions established.
