The emblematic Place Royale in the heart of Brussels is to be redeveloped as a partial pedestrian zone. The work was officially launched on Wednesday morning with a symbolic ceremony.
The event was attended by ministers whose offices are responsible for the works. Notably: Karine Lalieux (responsible for Beliris, the body that oversees renovation in the Capital Region), Minister for Mobility Elke Van den Brandt, and Secretary of State for Town Planning, Ans Persoons. Mayor of Brussels Philippe Close was also present.
Coup d’envoi des travaux d’aménagement de la Place Royale. Ce projet a pour objectif d’améliorer la qualité de ce lieu incontournable avec notamment une zone piétonne et un éclairage scénographique sur l’ensemble des bâtiments néoclassiques entourant la Place. @BelirisInfo 👏 pic.twitter.com/WG45RkZyxL
— Karine Lalieux (@karinelalieux) October 11, 2023
Tweet translation: Works kick off on Place Royale. This project will improve the quality of this unmissable urban destination with a pedestrian zone and new lighting to illuminate the neoclassical buildings surrounding the square.
The work will take two years to complete and has been initiated by the region's public transport operator STIB. It will begin with the relocation of the tram tracks before Beliris will take over with the renovation of the square from the beginning of 2024. The square will be transformed from a roundabout into a partial pedestrian zone.
"These works will give this symbolic square a new function. After renovation, it will no longer be just a crossroads but also a pleasant place to stroll, with a large pedestrian area", enthused the Mayor of Brussels Philippe Close.
Image shows the redirected traffic route to the north of the square. Credit: Beliris - SM SWECO | West 8 | Cerau - ACT Lighting Design / Studio d’Urbanisme Jean-Pierre Majot
Space will be made for pedestrians by limiting space for traffic. "All traffic (tram, bus and car) will be grouped together on a two-way lane to the north of the statue, marked off by posts. Traffic will be restricted to a T-junction formed by rue de la Régence, rue Royale and rue Montagne de la Cour, with a secondary connection to rue de Namur. The side of the Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg church will be closed to traffic," a press release explains.
The renovation of Place Royale will begin on 16 October with the installation of temporary tram lanes, allowing trams 92 and 93 to continue on their route during the works. From 21 October to 3 November inclusive, traffic on these tram lines will be interrupted to allow the temporary tracks to be installed.
