Envisaged as the business heart of Brussels, the glass pillars of the Northern Quarter loom over the capital's historic centre. The modern blocks bear names that make clear the aim for this to become an international hub for finance and commerce: World Trade Centers 1,2, and 3; the Manhattan Center; the North Galaxy Towers.
But the scale of ambition has been brought down by the practicalities of integrating this zone with the rest of Brussels. With five times more people working there than actually living in the area, it's a space that lacks soul after hours and lately has become more associated with petty crime and drug use.
The charm that endears other neighbourhoods to residents and tourists is in small supply here. Instead, the broad boulevards serve as a point of arrival and departure for the hundreds of international busses that link Brussels to the rest of Europe. Given that the main advantage of taking a bus is the cost saving, passengers are unlikely to mind the insalubrious setting, providing their transportation arrives soon to take them elsewhere.
For those arriving in Brussels, the Northern Quarter is at least practical with train and metro stations next door and the nice part of the city a stone's throw away. But the bustle of buses circulating in what is already a busy area – and one never designed for this use – has come under scrutiny following the death of a cycle courier, who was hit by a FlixBus last year.
Despite immediate efforts to organise the traffic better, city officials are eager to relocate the buses altogether. But where to place a purpose-built terminal is a topic of contention; several of the suggestions so far have been shot down by the local administrators, because who wants a constant stream of coaches rolling through their commune?
And then there's convenience to consider: the Northern Quarter scores well for "intermodal connectivity", something that would be sacrificed were it to be moved to any of the proposed spots. All things considered, a straightforward improvement has yet to be put forward. And with any infrastructure projects in Brussels needing approval from various levels of administration, this effectively means the area will remain bad for cyclists.
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1. No solution in sight: Brussels North traffic situation remains unsafe
The Brussels-Capital Region has been working to improve the chaotic traffic situation around Brussels North since a cyclist died in a FlixBus accident. However, the delayed relocation of the international bus station is halting any progress. Read more.
2. Women in Belgium leading the way in switch to full-time employment
People with a job in Belgium on average work seven days more per year than a decade ago. This rise is largely driven by female employees who have upped their working hours significantly, especially compared to neighbouring countries. Read more.
3. Brussels restaurant finally opens on largest rooftop in Europe
The City of Brussels finally opened the long-awaited restaurant in Brucity on Thursday. It is located one floor under the largest rooftop in Europe, on which a bar opened last summer. Read more.
4. Middle-aged woman shot dead in Anderlecht, shooting also in Molenbeek
A woman in her sixties was shot dead while sitting in her vehicle in Anderlecht on Wednesday night, the Brussels Midi police zone confirmed. Read more.
5. 'Canon of Flanders' to be published in English
Due to its ongoing success, an English-language version of the 'Canon of Flanders', which puts a list of cultural identifiers that typify the region in the spotlight, will be published later this month. Read more.
6. Putin falsely claims Belgium exists 'largely thanks to Russia'
Russian President Vladimir Putin falsely claimed in a speech in Sochi on Wednesday that Belgium exists thanks to Russia. Read more.
7. Best in Town: Favourite bars for students in Brussels
With arguably the best beer in the world and over 80,000 university students, Brussels is home to an abundance of bars which make for a great night out as a student. Read more.
