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Protest against new terraces on Place Sainte-Catherine

13:57 16/07/2015

Brussels’ Place Sainte-Catherine on Wednesday inaugurated 10 new terraces, putting an end to the “no man’s land” in front of the church, according to Brussels minister Marion Lemesre. Not everybody is pleased with the addition, however, including a campaign group set up on Facebook to protest against the further commercialisation of public space in the European capital, reports brusselnieuws.be. "The square is no longer for everyone, but for those who are willing to pay for it," say protesters.

Eight restaurants placed new terraces in the middle of the square, while others added an extension to their existing terraces. While the restaurant owners are enthusiastic about the new terraces, the reactions of passers-by at the inauguration event were mixed, according to FM Brussel, with some comparing Place Sainte-Catherine to the touristy Rue des Bouchers.

The City of Brussels subsidised the purchase of matching tables, chairs and umbrellas, so that the square continues to form a whole fitting of the city’s beautification project for Place Sainte-Catherine, a square frequented by both locals and tourists.

According to Lemesre, until now the square in front of the church was a “no man's land”, where people hung out during the day to drink alcohol. That should stop now, she said.

Written by Robyn Boyle

Comments

Anon2

No money for culture but no shortage of money for this sort of thing.

Jul 17, 2015 13:10
acsonline

@anon2 - If you weren't such a snob you'd soon realise most 'small terraces' are charming, and a bit of culture in themselves. Can't have opera houses everywhere (thank goodness!).

Jul 17, 2015 14:36
francesco10

@ACSONLINE - Let's stay focus, please. What we are talking here is not the "charming small terraces" but a tacky occupation of the square. The intent is to stop people from hanging out and drink alcohol? what does remain of the beauty of squares as a way to socialise and interact?

Jul 17, 2015 19:21
acsonline

@francesco10 -- Squares can be pretty beautiful on their own, I admit. But they haven't turned into social gathering points in generally colder climes so far. A touch of conviviality won't hurt, the temp staying tropical particularly. Booze isn't all that popular on terraces anyway, coffee and coke is, so are less elaborate meals. There is nothing very alarming in that, is there?

Jul 18, 2015 07:33