After a vote in the municipal council, the decision has been made: the weekly Saturday market on Place Saint Lazare in the Saint-Josse-ten-Noode municipality can once again take place as initially announced, despite previous opposition.
In September 2023, Saint-Josse Mayor Emir Kir announced a new market in and around Place Saint Lazare, but this was quickly met with criticism from the opposition. In particular, Groen-Ecolo felt that the market was too large, and the offer constituted unfair competition with traders on Rue de Brabant.
In November, they tabled a motion to that effect, to organise more consultation around the size of the market and to only sell food. The motion was then passed by the municipal council.
Last Wednesday, however, Kir proposed amended market regulations: the initial plans are largely retained, but traffic will still be allowed. The perimeter of the market will also be slightly smaller, covering Place St Lazare, Place Victoria Regina, Rue de Brabant, the Karel Rogier passage and the tunnel at Place du Noord, La Dernière Heure reports.
The proposal was adopted at the municipal council on Wednesday evening, with 19 votes in favour and seven abstentions. The first edition will take place on the first Saturday of May, Kir confirmed to Bruzz.
