This Thursday, in the presence of Minister-President Boris Dilliès and Secretary of State Audrey Henry, the first concrete blocks installed on Avenue de la Toison d'Or were removed. A symbolic moment marking the start of a major clean-up of Brussels' public space.
How concrete blocks took over Brussels
Starting in 2016, concrete blocks began multiplying across the streets of Brussels. Initially presented as temporary measures related to safety or traffic trials, many of them never actually left their location.
Enhanced security, temporary layouts, urban experiments: over the years, excuses piled up to justify the installation of these concrete elements in public space.
Ten years later, Brussels finds itself with more than 3,000 concrete blocks installed by Brussels Mobility, roughly one block every 250 metres. A massive presence that has gradually degraded the aesthetics of many neighbourhoods in the capital.
Brussels must regain a public space worthy of its image
It was time to act. Boris Dilliès and Audrey Henry have decided to launch the gradual removal of these concrete blocks, which symbolise a disorderly and provisional vision of urban planning.
The Region has become greyer, colder and more cluttered.
An inventory as well as a removal schedule coordinated by Brussels Mobility are being finalised to organise their gradual removal and, where necessary, the redevelopment of the areas concerned.
Many Brussels residents can no longer stand these installations, which damage our capital's image and normalise the chaotic occupation of public space.
Brussels is beautiful, vibrant and attractive. It is time to remember that, and above all to show it.