Brussels, (Brussels Morning) – The permits for the reconstruction of Avenue Clovi have been issued, which means that the City of Brussels can start work shortly. Despite resistance from the Royal Commission for Monuments and Landscapes, the avenue in the Squares district will have separate cycle paths in ocher-colored asphalt and a central reservation with vegetable gardens. “This will be a place for meeting, resting and playing.”
In 2020, rail network manager Infrabel carried out works on the rail tunnel that runs under Clovislaan. The street was completely broken up for that. This was the opportunity for the City of Brussels to view a complete redevelopment of the avenue that connects Leuvensesteenweg with Square Ambiorix.
At the beginning of last year, the public inquiry into the plans of the City of Brussels was launched. The City wanted to plant new trees, separate bicycle paths of 1.5 metres on both sides and a wide central reservation with just under forty benches.
The latter two elements in particular clashed with a lot of resistance from local residents. No fewer than 680 comments were received during the public inquiry. The consultation committee gave positive advice, but with a long list of conditions. For example, the consultation committee thought that a bicycle path made of blue stone would be a better choice than ocher-coloured asphalt. In general, the committee found the plans too modern for the area.
These comments came about because the Royal Commission for Monuments and Sites opposed the plans, to the dismay of the City and of State Secretary for Urban Planning Pascal Smet (One.brussels-Vooruit).
In the meantime, the Region has issued the permits for the reconstruction according to BRUZZ. The final plan of redevelopment covers more than 10,000 square meters. According to the licensed plans, Clovislaan will have 2.5 meters wide footpaths. The separated cycle paths on both sides will indeed be constructed in ocher-coloured asphalt and will be 1.8 metres wide.
Central reservation with vegetable gardens
Alderman for Urban Planning Ans Persoons (Change.brussels/Vooruit) had previously indicated that she would like to reduce the number of benches in order to accommodate protesting local residents. There will eventually be sixteen “classic” benches. The central reservation will have a walking path in dolomite and various plant beds. In addition, there will be four collective vegetable garden zones.
After the reconstruction, the street will still have 51 parking spaces for cars. These are laid with cobblestones with an open joint to improve the water permeability. 33 trees will be placed between the parking spaces, tree hazel and red maple trees. For cyclists there will be 39 bicycle staples, good for 78 places. Crosswalks will be arranged on elevated platforms and the street lighting will also be tackled.
Working from August
“In the past, the central reservation was an inaccessible grassy plain that was mainly used by dogs and their owners. In the future it will be a place for meeting, rest and play”, says authorized alderman Ans Persoons. “The thoughtful greening of the central reservation and the 33 new trees will boost biodiversity and provide coolness and shade in the summer months.”
“The Clovislaan is also an important axis in the RER network for cyclists: they will soon be able to use a separate comfortable cycle path in ocher asphalt,” says Persoons. “Cycling in the city and respect for heritage can go hand in hand,” responds Brussels State Secretary for Urban Planning and Heritage Pascal Smet.
The start of the works, which would take 250 working days, is scheduled for August 8.
