Schuman redevelopment gets under way
The ground-breaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Schuman roundabout in Brussels took place on Wednesday morning. The city plans to transform the roundabout into an urban meeting point for residents and EU staff.
The Colas Noord company will carry out the work under the responsibility of Beliris, the federal building authority for Brussels. The redevelopment will cost 25 million euros, of which 17.4 million will be financed by the European recovery plan.
The renovations are intended to create a greener European district, linking Cinquantenaire Park with Rue de la Loi and Schuman via a green pedestrian promenade. A large canopy will transform the former roundabout into a meeting place that will also be used for events.
The work will be carried out in phases over two years. The roundabout's centre will be demolished in the first phase by 20 December. Next, Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée will be redesigned to allow two-way traffic, followed by work on Rue de la Loi.
Finally, the roundabout will be transformed into a square and a canopy will be installed. A green promenade will be created around the square using large planters, as the Arts Loi tunnel under the roundabout prevents the planting of trees.
Karine Lalieux, the federal minister responsible for Beliris, said she was delighted to be able to transform Schuman into "a dynamic and contemporary space that will be more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and people with reduced mobility".
Brussels Mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt said she was looking forward to a future with "a much greener and more liveable square, safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and easily accessible for people with reduced mobility".
"Thanks to these improvements, the square will both fulfil its role in the capital of Europe and be a quiet, pleasant place for local residents," said Van den Brandt.
Picture: Artist's impression of the Schuman redevelopment plans © BELGA PHOTO HANDOUT COBE/BRUT / Video: Ground-breaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Schuman roundabout © BELGA VIDEO TIMON RAMBOER
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