Brussels’ Boulevard Jamar, a key link between Place Bara and Brussels-Midi station, is set to undergo a major transformation aimed at enhancing the area’s liveability and promoting sustainability.
Outgoing Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) recently announced plans to redesign the boulevard and its surroundings into a greener, more pedestrian-friendly space, complete with trees, wider pavements, and meeting areas.
Located on the border between Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles, Boulevard Jamar has long been a bustling thoroughfare. But its role as a major traffic artery with four lanes of road traffic is now set to change.
The new plans call for a dramatic reduction in asphalt, with the boulevard being converted into an esplanade featuring trees, seating areas, and cafés.
The newly envisioned space will feature only one lane of traffic in each direction, as well as designated areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
The winning design for the redevelopment came from Brussels-based firms Studio Paola Viganò and Arcadis, following an architectural competition.
The design envisions a lush, green space that not only provides an urban oasis but also serves as a focal point for local residents. The area will feature a ‘Jamar garden,’ more green spaces, and even a playground.
One notable feature will be a canopy near the Esplanade de l’Europe, which will offer shade and shelter for those enjoying the new public space.
Inspired by the nearby River Senne, which once flowed through the area, the architects have designed a lowered section where the edges will function as benches, offering residents a relaxing spot to rest.
“The project aims to create a better, more beautiful neighbourhood with a focus on greenery, wider pavements, and inviting public spaces,” said Van den Brandt, expressing her commitment to improving the quality of life for residents around the Midi station.
“It’s a new phase for the long-awaited redevelopment of Boulevard Jamar and Boulevard du Midi,” she added.
The redesign is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the area surrounding Brussels-Midi Station, which is undergoing significant changes.
As part of the ongoing Metro 3 project, the station itself is being expanded, and new metro lines are being developed. The works on Boulevard Jamar are separate from this project but complement it by enhancing the public spaces above ground.
One of the main goals of the redesign is to create a “meeting place” for the local community, where people can gather, relax, and socialize.
With plans for more cafés, terraces, and recreational spaces like pétanque courts, the area is expected to become a vibrant hub for locals.
However, the redevelopment will have an impact on the popular weekly Midi market and the Foire du Midi, with some stalls likely to be displaced during construction.
The precise start date for the construction is yet to be confirmed, though work is expected to commence in the near future.
The redesign of Boulevard Jamar aligns with Brussels’ ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for its residents while making the city more sustainable and welcoming.
As the city continues to grow and modernize, this project promises to create a beautiful new public space that residents can enjoy for years to come.
