Beliris has decided to move forward with the redevelopment of Schuman Square in Brussels, leaving plans for a canopy behind.
The decision comes after repeated requests for clarity on the canopy’s funding went unanswered by the Brussels government, according to a letter from Beliris to Brussels Mobility, which was reported on by Bruzz.
In the letter, Beliris Director writes, “On the assumption that there will be no canopy,” the works will now commence.
If the canopy is later greenlit, additional works will be required, Beliris warned.
This would lead to extra costs, as the square would need to be reopened, and materials could not be reused, further complicating the process.
The redevelopment of Schuman Square has already seen costs balloon from the initial estimate of €30 million to €42 million, a significant rise revealed in June.
The Brussels-Capital Region is responsible for covering this cost increase, but financial difficulties and its caretaker government status have hindered reallocation of budgets.
In June, Brussels even sent a “begging letter” to the European Commission and other institutions for financial support, but this yielded no results.
