The permit has been approved for a project that aims to transform Place Flagey and Place Sainte-Croix into much greener spaces. Works are expected to start later this year.
Two years ago, plans were announced to improve the Ixelles neighbourhood encompassing Place Flagey and Place Sainte-Croix next to the Étangs d'Ixelles (the Ponds of Ixelles) and make it greener by planting more trees in the area. On Monday, this project officially received a permit from urban.brussels.
The project involves planting almost 100 native trees (72 will be planted in Place Flagey and 22 in Place Sainte-Croix). Forming a link between the two squares, the project will create a "continuous green corridor" with an additional 1,350 m² of green space expected by the end of the works.
"This provides users with a pleasant, green environment. This green corridor also forms a protected ecological connection for fauna and a source of food for pollinating insects," Brussels Mobility and the Ixelles municipality noted.
Illustration image of the renewed Place Sainte-Croix. Credit: Brussels Mobility / Séverin Malaud
The plans also include the planting of solitary trees, which will be able to grow for hundreds of years, at the edge of the square where they can enhance perspectives and provide shade, fighting the urban heat island effect.
Meanwhile, existing tree beds will be incorporated into larger planting areas to give the square a "green look and bring people closer to nature." A more integrated rainwater management system will also be created.
Respecting current forms
Both parties stressed that, when planting and seeding additional greenery, both the existing design and forms of the squares, as well as traffic flows of pedestrians and cyclists, will be taken into account "as much as possible." Permanent activities on the square, such as the circus and the weekly market, were also considered when creating the plans.
The chosen design of Kollektif Landscape, in collaboration with Fallow and Ecorce, aims to enhance the ecological, urban and social functions of this public space. Furthermore, it aims to maintain the link with the ponds and reinforce its historical location, in the Maelbeek valley network.
Brussels Mobility will oversee the works on Place Eugène Flagey while the municipality of Ixelles will soften and green the Place Sainte-Croix. These are expected to start by the end of this year.
