Brussels, (Brussels Morning)- After an intensive consultation process and a number of adjusted plans, the redevelopment project for Waterloolaan and Gulden-Vlieslaan has been given the green light. The footpaths of the Waterloolaan will from now on be eight metres wide and there will be two two-way bicycle paths up to four metres wide, reported BRUZZ.
In May 2019, a permit was applied for for the first time for a green city promenade between Louise and Porte de Namur. That application was supposed to lead to a ‘Brussels Champs-Elysées’, the then minister of mobility Pascal Smet (one.brussels-Vooruit) said at the time.
But the original design for the reconstruction also met with protest. After consultation with the residents, hotel and shop owners and the municipalities involved, the design has been adjusted several times since then; the plans were further adjusted after the public inquiry. On Friday it was announced that the urban planning permit has been received.
Lanes deleted
One of the points of disagreement was the number of lanes to be deleted. After all, the redevelopment means that many service roads and the majority of the above-ground parking spaces will have to make way for bicycle paths, trees and a pedestrian boulevard.
There was also a discussion about the number of lanes that had to be preserved between Place Louise and Place René Cliquet . In the first permit application, the number of lanes would be limited to 1 in each direction. But the City of Brussels did not like that. Ultimately, two lanes in each direction will be kept between the Cliquet roundabout and the Louiseplein on the Waterloolaan, the Smet cabinet said in a press release. There will also be a drinking water fountain.
The footpaths of Waterloolaan will from now on be eight metres wide. There will be two two-way cycle paths up to four metres wide. In the long term 47 new trees will be built near Waterloolaan and Gulden-Vlieslaan. The project is supported by Brussels Mobility and will be carried out by Beliris.
Constructive attitude
“It was not an easy process, but we persevered and I am happy with the result,” says Pascal Smet. “The project will be a huge changemaker for the entire district. Moreover, we are once again converting part of the inner ring road from a city highway to a city boulevard. The project therefore also connects to the cycle paths along the Kleine Ring.”
Brussels Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt (Green) is also satisfied. “After a very long consultation process, I am really happy that this project is on its way to completion. By transforming this city highway into an inviting city boulevard, the new Gulden-Vlieslaan will also connect the upper and lower parts of the city more closely. I would very much like to thank the traders for their constructive attitude.”
