The Government of Brussels on Thursday approved a revised version of the new Regional Urban Planning Regulation (RUPR), laying out guidelines for public space development, renovations, and construction in the capital.
Secretary of State for Urban Planning, Ans Persoons (Vooruit), noted that this enhanced version of the Good Living project was the result of consultation with local communities, experts, and Brussels residents.
“We are offering Brussels higher quality public spaces with more trees, improved renovations and developments, affordable housing, as well as wider pavements and cycle tracks,” she said.
Originally initiated as the Good Living project by Pascal Smet, Persoons’ predecessor, the project underwent an extensive participatory process. According to the Secretary of State, the aims are still high in this improved version, including better quality of life with a focus on insulation and circularity.
Well-balanced green public spaces, a clear framework for construction projects and prioritising high-quality outcomes, are also among the RUPR’s targets, with renovation becoming the norm, and demolition the exception, according to Persoons.
After a formal second reading due in January, the text will promptly move to the State Council for the next steps. After considering any feedback from the Council, potential adjustments may be made, leading to a third review and final approval by the region’s government.
There will be ample time to train all urban planning officers thoroughly and inform the public about the new regulations before they are officially implemented, the Secretary of State said..
