The transformation of Place Sainctelette in the city centre of Brussels from a busy traffic intersection to a green area will start on Monday.
An urban development permit granted by urban.brussels to Brussels Mobility last May gave the green light for the renovation of both Place Sainctelette and Place de l'Yser. This location is an important traffic hub in the city, forming the boundary between the Maritime Quarter, the North Quarter and the city centre.
Today, Place Sainctelette is congested and dangerous. All means of transport are present there: tram, metro, cars, cyclists, pedestrians and ships, and thousands of people pass through the area every day.
Both projects aim to ease congestion, make the space more welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists and introduce more greenery to the cityscape.
'Bridge square'
The work for this transformation will last three years. The first phase, starting on Monday 29 April, will focus on Rue Adolphe Lavallée and Rue de l'Intendant. This phase will finish in July.
At Place Sainctelette, the ultimate aim is to provide the area with a "bridge square", a plaza crossing the canal and bringing the two banks closer together. This consists of the widening of existing car traffic lanes, the creation of pathways for pedestrians and cyclists and the addition of green space.
Minister for Mobility and Public Works Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) says the impact of phase one on traffic will be limited.
Rue de l'Intendant will be closed to car traffic, Place Sainctelette is inaccessible from Rue Adolphe Lavallée and there is a limited number of lanes open on Avenue du Port. Pedestrian and cycle paths are accessible on all streets.
