The Fonsny property development project at Brussels’ Midi Station has been put on hold, according to Federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, due to a legal appeal and current budgetary constraints.
The SNCB (National Railway Company of Belgium) is leading the project, which aims to renovate and expand existing buildings at the site. In December 2022, the Brussels Region approved the renovation plans for the Tri Postal site, the Midi Station, and the surrounding neighbourhood.
“The timeline for the Fonsny project remains uncertain,” Minister Crucke explained. "A cancellation appeal was filed with the Council of State in February 2023, and the SNCB is also facing financial difficulties and rising construction costs."
Despite the pause, work occurred in 2022 at the Tri Postal building to clean up and remove asbestos from parts of the buildings. Special attention is being given to intensive cleaning at the station and improving hotspot areas, according to the minister.
An illustration of the new SNCB building by Inter-Environment Bruxelles
Infrabel, the railway infrastructure manager, is also involved, with plans for a new operational building underway. “In February 2025, Infrabel obtained the necessary permits from the Brussels-Capital Region for a new operational building near the Midi Station, on property they own on Rue de France,” continued the minister.
This new building is intended to house administrative services, the national traffic control room, a data processing centre, and maintenance facilities.
“The project is under thorough review by my team, focusing on financial viability and potential impact on the area’s revitalisation,” said Crucke.
Opposition MP Ridouane Chahid expressed concern about the project being paused indefinitely.
“We cannot allow this project to remain stalled due to unclear administrative and budgetary reasons while the Midi neighbourhood continues to deteriorate. The government must act decisively. The Fonsny project cannot be abandoned due to budget cuts enforced by the Arizona majority on the SNCB. Our capital deserves better,” he stated.
