A controversial housing project in Tour & Taxis is likely to go ahead despite repeated opposition from locals, with one citizen now set to question the City of Brussels municipal council on Tuesday on behalf of local residents.
Property developer Nextensa are behind the Lake Side development, which comprises 16 buildings, including several tall towers, that will be used for housing, offices and shops. Among them is an impressive 127-metre residential tower with more than 700 apartments on a total surface area of approximately 96,000m².
On Tuesday 22 April at 17:30, the City of Brussels municipal council will discuss the planned 'Lake Side' project on the Tour & Taxis site. Resident Bert de Bisschop will pose critical questions to the board and local politicians on behalf of the residents from the project's surrounding neighbourhoods in an inquiry.
"The inquiry is being held in response to growing concerns within the community about the impact of the project on the quality of life and affordability in the neighbourhood," reads a press release by BRAL, the Brussels city movement for the environment and urban development.
66 conditions
Questions will also be asked about the promised social housing, the urban development costs and the lack of participation in this project, BRAL added. Members of this city movement will be present, together with their counterparts of the Maritime District neighbourhood committee, to support the inquiry.
A broad appeal was also made to other Brussels residents to be present and show their support during this public session of the city council.
On Monday, it became clear that the City of Brussels, Brussels Environment and the Monuments & Landscapes agency had issued a favourable opinion for the project. However, the bordering municipality of Molenbeek issued a negative one.
The City of Brussels' favourable opinion, however, came with 66 conditions, Bruzz reports. Remarkably, no social housing obligation was included, despite strong criticism from local residents and the municipality of Molenbeek.
The area in and around the Tour & Taxis as seen from above. The entire private site will be car-free. Credit: Nextensa
The other conditions stated that at least 25% of the homes in the project must consist of at least three rooms (currently this is only 17%) and the commercial spaces (for which approximately 3,000 m² is provided) must "actively contribute to the liveliness of the public space."
Additionally, the roofs must be greened and water management must also be improved, with rainwater collection and measures to balance the groundwater level.
At least 5% of the total surface area must also be reserved for public facilities (the current plans only provide for 3%). The consultation committee is also requesting, among other things, more bicycle parking spaces and charging points for electric cars.
Lack of social housing
However, these conditions do not seem to meet the objections.
The 'Lake Side' plans had previously provoked fierce criticism; the lack of social housing in particular was a thorn in the side of the critics. After the original plans had already been criticised, developer Nextensa had added 61 social housing units to the project.
The municipality of Molenbeek pointed out in its advice that there is no guarantee of this promise: there is no agreement with a social housing company, and the region has no budget for the purchase of the homes.
Therefore, the municipality talks about "luxury apartments that will drive up property prices in the neighbourhood."
