The permit for the complete redevelopment of the Place Sainctelette has been granted. The project aims to transform the Place Sainctelette, from Place de l’Yser to Avenue du Port and to better distribute the space between the different users: pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and drivers by reducing the space currently given to the car.
As elaborated by Brussels Mobility, the Canal area is historically a real and symbolic border between the East and West of Brussels. The goal of the redevelopment is to make the square more attractive and thus encourage connections to bring the two sides together. The core element of the new Saincteletteplein will be the bridge square which will improve the connection of the various busy intersections. It will also create a totally new public space that will contribute to the quality of urban living in this area.
The new Sainctelette square will be a showcase for Brussels, where people want to spend time and where comfort and safety of cyclists and pedestrians is essential, because after all, public space is living space.
Pascal smet, Brussels state secretary for urbanism
The Sainctelette area is one of the key crossroads of the city. It is crossed by the axis linking the Botanique to the Basilica. It is also a traffic hub and the border between the Maritime Quarter, the Northern Quarter and the city centre. All means of transport can be found here: trams, metros, cars, bicycles, pedestrians and boats.
The new Bridge Square
The project proposes a square that crosses the canal and brings the two banks together. This “bridge square” will be built by rethinking the space of the boulevard, increasing the quality and the space of the bridges. Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from larger traffic areas.
The aim is to offer residents new public spaces. These public spaces, conducive to new uses (walks, children’s games, food trucks, etc.), will enable the square to be used differently. Outdoor events can be organised in the new spaces of the square.
This bridge square aims to break down the border between the West and East of Brussels. The project aims to make the square more fluid and attractive and thus to encourage connections to bring the two sides together.
Place Sainctelette is currently a very accident-prone intersection which means that it’s not easy to get around on foot, by bicycle or by car. The redevelopment aims to make this spot safer for everyone – pedestrians, cyclists, users of public transport and drivers.
Greenery will also play an important role in this project. Promenades aim to enhance the quays by creating rest areas near the canal. This nature will make it possible to create islands of coolness, to make the square more sustainable and also more enjoyable during the heat wave periods.
To consult the project documentation and get more info on the redevelopment of the Place Sainctelette, consult the Brussels Mobility website.
Photos & source: Brussels Mobolity / Rendus: © SAIDA for Agence TER
