As efforts to make Brussels greener and safer continue, a key square and bridge next to the canal between Schaerbeek and Laeken will be completely redeveloped.
Urban.brussels has issued an amended building permit, based on recommendations of residents, to redevelop the square at the Monument to Work, notably with the construction of a new cycle and pedestrian bridge under the Jules de Trooz bridge.
Brussels Mobility can now start the work.
Closer to the water, shaded by the trees
State Secretary for Town Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons describes how with "more trees and plants, benches, and tables... the Monument will look completely different."
The esplanade will bring the separate cycle and footpath lower to the water's edge, offering panoramic views of the Brussels skyline.
On the higher grassed area around the Labour Monument, a large plain on one level will be created between Rue Claessens and the pedestrian and cycle path, dotted with benches and trees. The aim is for it to become a multifunctional space that can be used for picnics, ball games or other social gatherings.
Credit: Bureau d'architecture Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
A series of steps between different levels will also serve as stairs and green areas will be expanded to provide shade and protection, in line with the region's recent objective to make the area around the Canal greener.
The triangular planted area bordering the Quai des Yachts will be densely planted with trees and ground cover such as perennials and shrubs to promote biodiversity, with a grass path running through this newly created "forest".
Catering to cyclists
The second part of the project envisages a separate bridge under the De Trooz Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians. This area of the city is an important link in the cycle route along the Willebroek-Brussels-Charleroi canal and forms part of the GFR (Regional Cycle Route Network), the cycling GEN (Regional Express Network) and the European REVER cycle network.
"The number of cyclists is rising spectacularly in Brussels, and we want to reinforce this trend," said Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt. The subway along the canal cycle path is one way to do this.
Credit: Bureau d'architecture Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
It will offer an alternative to the busy intersection and lay the foundation for the safe route with the two other subways that are being created under the Sainctelette Bridge and the Van Praet Bridge. The pedestrian and cyclist bridge will also be connected to the existing canal path along the Chaussée de Vilvorde.
This means cyclists will be able to pass under the bridge without potential conflicts with motorised traffic.
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Finally, a stop for the water bus offers passengers a more scenic commute from Vilvoorde to Brussels. This will be built at the corner of the quay on the new esplanade.
The works on the three bridges for cyclists and pedestrians (De Trooz, Sainctelette and Van Praet), together with the reconstruction of the stretch of cycle route between Buda and Sheel, are being co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for a total cost of €6.8 million.
