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Brussels pedestrian zone cleared for winter work
The pedestrian zone in the centre of Brussels is being cleared of its summer street furniture. This will make it easier for work to take place over the winter to create the permanent pedestrian zone that is expected to open in the spring of 2016.
According to a statement from the City of Brussels, everything will go except for the grandstand benches, the wooden logs, and the street furniture on Place de Brouckère. The tables for chess and table tennis will also remain.
Meanwhile, steps will be taken to improve road markings around rue Plattesteen and place Fontainas so that the separation between traffic and pedestrians is clearer.
Since the pedestrian zone was opened in June, around 120 cultural and sporting events have taken place in the newly liberated space, attracting 400,000 participants. In all, the City estimates that more than one million people have visited the pedestrian zone over the summer.
Comments
I've always been against this pedestrian zone, as it's very inconvenient for people driving into town. It's ok for the summer months, but why in winter. Nobody wants to sit outside in the winter, and I'm sure many restaurants and stores on that street don't like it.
I totally agree with the above comment. This pedestrian zone is a disaster for the Metropole Hotel, restaurants, retailers. The person who initiated this project lacks of common sense.
I cannot understand how anyone could possibly be against the pedestrian zone? It has opened up a part of town where one used to zoom through as quickly as possible. Being someone who have to go there every day I greatly appreciate the calm and the newfound vibe.
The restaurants in the zone are apparently already thriving (people actually want to be there now!). The retailers seems to take a bump short-term, but it's hard to believe that will last. Many of the best European shopping districts tend to be in pedestrian areas. Ever been to the Meir district in Antwerp?
And for those who think themselves to important for using public transport, a bike or their legs to get to the center: Tough shit, but you still have 98% of Brussels where you make life inconvenient for everyone else!
I agree with those who don't like the pedestrian zone. I remain astonished at the speed it was installed (unlike all other works in Brussels that take forever, including constant change of plans [think Place Meiser and the viaduct etc]). Plus I'd love to know where all the funding for the pedestrian zone is coming from. The city is cutting funding for all things cultural, schools are under-funded but somehow this pedestrian zone was given top priority by a mayor who wasn't even elected into office. It boggles the mind, mine at least.