Brussels canal area is already known for its vibrancy, artsy feel and large urban regeneration projects but did you know that this area also represents a real economic lung of the city? The Port of Brussels neighbourhoods host a large number of companies which vastly contribute to the city. We bring you a few inspirations from the “14” magazine, a quarterly publication which celebrates port districts. You can receive a free copy of the magazine by simply subscribing via this link or you can read the digital version.
Where?
From the North Industrial quarter to the outport, after the Docks and the Van Praet bridge, on either side of the canal. This area includes some industrial giants like Ceres, Derichebourg, De Meuter, Ziegler, Lukoil, Vemat and Duferco.
What?
The buildings and the imposing industrial wastelands on the edge of the canal came back to life and it was about time! With the recent birth of the Docks, it is a whole new neighbourhood, blending youth and tradition, that is being revitalised from the Van Praet bridge to the north.
Why?
This neighbourhood was flourishing in the last century. It is being reborn on the ashes of the industrialization of the past and is deliberately turning to the future with projects combining tradition and advanced technologies.
New housing, many restaurants and shops have recently been created, as well as a great place for meetings and exchanges – Silo, and a magnificent museum known as Train World within the walls of the old Schaerbeek train station. All the ingredients of a popular vibrant neighbourhood against a background of history.
BRYC
Enthroned by the canal, the venerable Bruxelles Royal Yacht Club, more colloquially BRYC, has seen boats and apprentice sailors pass by since its construction in 1906! Its small port houses a sailing school as well as many boats attracted by the canal leading to the North Sea. It was from BRYC that Edouard De Keyser left to complete his Global Tour Challenge last September. Le Grand Retour was also celebrated here last November, in the club’s purest tradition. The BRYC also has a wonderful clubhouse and a restaurant that have kept all their charm!
Chaussée de Vilvoorde 1, 1020 Laeken
DOCKS
It is difficult to miss the Docks without being impressed by its extraordinary shapes and dimensions. Inaugurated in 2016, the shopping centre hosts more than a hundred shops, a supermarket and a cinema. It is now an essential place, a real crossroad and a meeting place for all the neighbourhoods of the northern part of the canal. Heard on the spot: “The Docks is a lighthouse in the night!
Quai des Usines 163, 1000 Brussels
SILO
Nestled on a mound in a small setting a stone’s throw from the canal, the Silo, a former brewery-maltery with refined spaces made of concrete, bricks and steel, is living a new life! Two young entrepreneurs have fallen in love with this former grain silo that has been abandoned for several decades. In 2022, after seven years of work, Silo began its new life as a space dedicated to exhibitions, conferences, trade shows, fairs and meetings of all kinds. Finally, the top of this place combines past, present and future, an exceptional rooftop of 750 m2 that offers a striking and unprecedented view of Brussels and its canal.
Rue de Meudon 54, 1120 Neder-Over-Heembeek
“Neder-over-Hembeek and part of this Northern Industry district which is located in Brussels without being totally in Brussels !​​ It is one of the last places in the capital that is still developing. The container terminal will triple its surface area by 2030 for the return of freight and rail to the port.​​​​​​​​​​ A new European School will soon see the light of day, as well as a tram line.​​ This changes everything!”
Fabrice, the manager of Silo
RSNB / Royal 1865
Along the canal, there are huge companies interested above all in this blue highway that opens the world to them. But the canal also belongs to athletes! Further north than the north and a stone’s throw from the Buda Bridge, the facilities of the Royal Sport Nautique of Brussels 1865 are standing proudly for more than 150 years. Priority is given to rowing, the real king of the canal, but the facilities still welcome ping-pong and basketball fans in its large sports hall. Playing sport in another setting… that’s Royal!
Chaussée de Vilvorde 170, 1120 Neder-Over-Heembeek
TRAIN WORLD
Take a mandatory stop at Schaerbeek station, which underwent a major facelift to become Train World. It is now a train museum with exceptional and always surprising pieces scenographed by François Schuiten. More than a museum, Trainworld warrants a visual, audio and sensory experience, a real call to travel. The result is stunning!
Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek
Feeling inspired? Discover more about the newest edition of ’14’, the magazine of the port neighbourhoods!
Photos source: (c) Port of Brussels (used with the permission)
