The redevelopment of the public space on Avenue de la Toison d’Or and Boulevard de Waterloo between Porte de Namur and Louise Square will bring about a new dynamic and reinvigorate the bonds between the surrounding neighbourhoods. Currently, Avenue de la Toison d’Or and Boulevard de Waterloo are separated from each other, not just by a constant flow of cars and many parking spots, but also by the marked difference between the types of shops, restaurants, hotels and leisure facilities on both sides of the boulevard.

STRUCTURING AXIS

A two-phase intervention was proposed with a view to restoring the balance between both sides; the boulevard will be maintained as a structuring axis and a major thoroughfare, but it will be significantly improved.

In the first phase, the Boulevard de Waterloo will be widened into an esplanade near the Louise roundabout, so that pedestrians and cyclists can move around in a pleasant way. Traffic will be bundled asymmetrically on two lanes.

The second phase consists of a similar widening of the Avenue de la Toison d’Or near Porte de Namur after the potential roofing of the inner ring road tunnel trench. The resulting axis shift for motorised traffic makes it possible to create a wide esplanade on each side of the ring road.

HIGH-QUALITY GREEN SPACE

Additional trees and shrubs will be planted to form pleasant green areas for the users. The local businesses, already well-established at present, were also taken into account. The project will allow them to flourish thanks to larger and more comfortable public spaces and support functions.

A thoroughfare redeveloped in an intelligent and coherent way, restoring space to pedestrians, cyclists and soft mobility with a smart integration of the necessary car traffic.

images: POLO Architects