Ambitious plans to construct a large canopy in Schuman Square are in the balance due to continued uncertainties over funding.
The mission to transform Schuman Square, which sits in the heart of the EU district, officially started in late 2023. The project aims to turn the area into a "real town square" with a large pedestrian zone, a visible cycle path and more greenery. The canopy was designed as the showpiece feature of the revamped square, providing a stylish awning over the central meeting place.
But according to Bruzz, the chances of the square getting a canopy are “diminishing by the day” after the Brussels government failed to provide assurances that it would cover the funding needed to build the structure.
Uncertainty over funding for the canopy has dogged the project for months. In June, the outgoing Brussels government sent a letter to the leaders of the EU institutions asking for financial assistance to fund the Schuman renovations. The government said at the time that it was unable to commit to funding the additional costs required for the construction of the canopy.
The administration is currently in “caretaker mode” as a result of the failure to form a new government, meaning any additional costs cannot be guaranteed. Beliris, the project developer, is said to be expecting a final decision from the government by 15 September.
The Brussels Times has contacted the office of Brussels Minister Elke Van Den Brandt (Green), the minister responsible for public works, for comment on the matter. A spokesperson for the minister told Bruzz: "We can't just start shuffling budgets."
The new square will be a bowl-shaped space with a modern steel structure where visitors and residents can relax. Credit: Beliris
Francis De Wolf, the project’s architect, said there are three scenarios: either the canopy will be built, it won't be built, or it will be decided not to build it for the time being, but it could be added at a later stage.
“We have bought some time by starting the redevelopment and working from the outside to the inside, but now we need to know how to proceed,” said De Wolf.
The cost of the square’s renovation has skyrocketed from the original estimates. The redevelopment was originally projected to cost €30 million, but has risen to €42 million as a result of inflation and rising material costs.
Second phase underway
Despite these concerns, the second phase of the Schuman redevelopment started yesterday, with works beginning in the centre and south of the area. This will impact the mobility plan in the neighbourhood in the coming months.
Until the end of 2026, the waterproofing of the Schuman metro and train station will be repaired, just like the Loi complex. Additionally, the redevelopment of the roundabout into a level mixed zone will be carried out via the modification of surfaces, the installation of security devices, and the development of shared spaces with plant containers, benches, and a new bus lane.
Car users travelling from Avenue de Cortenbergh and the E40 motorway will need to use Rue Archimède and the side of Rue de la Loi. Only authorised vehicles will have access to the construction areas during the redevelopment. A diversion will also be set up via Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée for heavy goods vehicles.
Bicycle and car traffic will be prohibited on Rue de la Loi alongside the buildings of the Council of the European Union. The access to buildings from Rue Froissart and Chaussée d'Etterbeek is not impacted. Additionally, temporary access to the Residence Palace from the exit of the Loi tunnel is maintained until the end of the project.
Meanwhile, the section between Rue Juste Lipse and the Schuman roundabout, as well as between Rue Breydel and the Schuman roundabout, will only be accessible to local traffic and cyclists. In addition, both Avenue d'Auderghem and Rue Froissart will be turned into a cul-de-sac.
Moreover, the STIB bus lines 12, 21, 56, 60 and 79 will be diverted via Maelbeek station.
