Redesign of Brussels Shuman roundabout to start by end of summer

The reconstruction of the Schuman roundabout, located in the heart of Brussels’ European district, should begin by the end of this summer. To that end, a new public inquiry has been launched, and a new permit has also been requested, considering objections made earlier. However, according to Brussels Mobility, this new public inquiry is no more than a formality.

The roundabout reconstruction of the Europe Building already had a permit in 2021. But several appeals, one of which came from Etterbeek Mayor Vincent De Wolf (MR), delayed the project.

Delay due to appeals

The public inquiry for the reconstruction of Schuman Square will end on May 11th, and another consultation committee between the departments involved is scheduled for May 30th.

“It is no more than a phase in the delivery of urban development permits,” says Brussels Mobility’s spokesperson, Inge Paemen. “We are redoing the permit application procedure to accommodate imperfections in the previous procedure”.

For example, this new permit must consider the two-way traffic on Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée/Blijde Inkomstlaan. “If we have a new permit in our pocket, the works on Schuman Square will start at the end of this summer.”

Lively piece of Brussels

The reconstruction, carried out by the Danish architectural firm COBE and Brussels BRUT, should make Schuman a roundabout where pedestrians can feel more at home. “Today, Schuman Square is an ordinary roundabout, a place reserved exclusively for cars, where Brussels residents and visitors do not want to stay any longer than necessary,” says Damiaan De Jonge, spokesperson for the office of Brussels Secretary of State Pascal Smet (One.Brussels-Vooruit), responsible for urban development.

Specifically, we are talking about a reconstruction of the Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat from the Cinquantenaire Parc to the Schuman roundabout. The sidewalks of the European institutions will also be renewed. In addition, a majestic mirror canopy should be built on the roundabout to become a meeting place for pedestrians and passersby.

“After the reconstruction, it will be a square where people can meet and relax, a square that you can be proud of as a European and a citizen of Brussels,” says De Jonge.

He said the square’s redevelopment is a starting point for transforming the Entire European district. “This today mono-functional office neighborhood will evolve in the coming years into a lively district with housing and other urban functions in addition to offices. We are turning it into a vibrant and enjoyable Brussels.”