Plans to redevelop a famous Schaerbeek square have been given the green light as the project has been granted planning permission.
Place de la Reine, at the end of Rue Royal, is currently crossed by cars and public transport, making it unappealing as a space for pedestrians.
"The square is not realising its full potential," said outgoing Brussels State Secretary for Town Planning and Heritage, Ans Persoons. As a result, the square will be transformed into "a tree-lined square that forms the gateway to the commune of Schaerbeek."
Located next to the iconic Eglise Sainte-Marie, a church in Romanesque-Byzantine style, the renovated space will offer more comfort and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The pavements will be widened and separated from the road by low plantings.
All trees will be kept and greenery will be added, including new trees on the square and adjacent streets. 400 m² of green space will be planted in beds around the trees, lined lawns and the church garden.
An illustration of a renewed Rue Royale. Credit: Brussels Mobility
The church itself will put in the spotlight, with atmospheric lighting to illuminate the architectural point of interest.
The work aims especially to create a space that is safer for women and children, with benches and lighting (energy-efficient LED lamps emitting a warm white light) and play facilities planned. It is hope that the square can become "a living space for all Schaerbeek inhabitants".
Less traffic, more cycle space
The square will be made quieter by reducing through traffic, with intersections redesigned and traffic flows modified to resolve conflict zones.
Public transport will be made more accessible with the tram and bus stops, which are currently scattered, relocated and grouped together on Rue Royale, between Rue Cornet de Grez and Rue du Mail.
The parking spaces in the square will be removed to free up space for a cycle path, which will run behind the bus stop and at a slightly lower level to the pavement.
Schaerbeek residents have long been waiting for the renovation works, which were announced over 1.5 years ago and was due to start in the second half of 2024.
