Francophone conservative-liberal party the Reformist Movement (MR) has called on the Brussels-Capital Region to immediately stop to the Schuman roundabout redevelopment project.
The party wants to propose a greener, more cost-effective plan, expanding the roundabout into a larger green walkway from Cinquantenaire Park to the surroundings of the European Parliament.
David Weytsman, leader of MR in the City of Brussels, has requested an "immediate suspension of the works" to amend the issued permit. Local residents and traders, through an appeal, are urging authorities to halt the project, citing significant mobility issues already identified and the end to the excessive concreting of the square.
The philosophy of the redevelopment is to create a focal point for mobility in concentric circles, thereby encouraging visitors to congregate at its heart. The square’s centre is dominated by a canopy combining metal and greenery, capable of hosting events. The area is expected to be primarily for active modes of transport.
According to Weytsman, it remains unclear whether the Federal Government or Beliris will wholly fund the project, possibly at the expense of other regional initiatives. Over the past three weeks, a serious mobility problem has emerged, with traffic redirected to the neighbourhood’s smaller streets, contrary to the idea of calming areas.
The liberal elected official has asked the Brussels Region and the City to officially count this increase and study the pollution consequences. In Weytsman’s view, the project’s effects are tangible for many traders: deliveries are impossible, parking difficulties, and traffic jams.
Finally, Weytsman lamented that the Region had not kept to its commitment that it would not to commence works while waiting for the results of an appeal. This lack of regard puts the Region at risk of undoing what has been undertaken at the taxpayers’ expense, he insisted.
