Refurbishing square Vandervelde and square Albert I

This project is part of the Urban Renewal Contracts No. 3 in Anderlecht. The design office (consortium ORG - Bureau Bas Smets) has been working since 2021, incorporating the views of local residents and grassroots associations as far as possible: interviews in the public space, thematic workshops with neighbourhood associations, collective evening walks, etc. This ambitious project has now come to fruition, bringing a number of significant improvements to this strategic area of Brussels!

The creation of green spaces and seating areas, the embellishment of the pavements, the installation of fountains, the creation of steps down to the canal and the use of quality materials will create a strong visual identity and make the space more attractive to residents and visitors. The canal is visually and functionally integrated into the new public space.

A mobility hub will facilitate interaction between different modes of transport, such as buses, trams, bicycles and pedestrians. This hub will provide better connections between the various players involved in mobility. The aim is also to improve the commercial speed of public transport and the flow of traffic.

Safety is a priority for the project. The Vandervelde intersection area has been the scene of serious accidents in the past, including fatalities. Traffic has been redesigned to minimise conflicts, with improved signage and well-defined and protected routes/zones for active modes of transport.