Did you know that beneath our feet lies a tale of urban transformation at Square Jacques Franck? This isn’t just any square. It is a public space in Lower Saint-Gilles that connects streets and community.
Square Jacques Franck extends Feron Street. It reaches the Porte de Hal metro station entrance. This square offers open space next to a small park. A crèche, a primary school and social housing units border it.
Named after Jacques Franck. He was the socialist mayor of Saint-Gilles from 1957 to 1973. The square’s story begins in the early 1970s. Old houses were razed. New buildings and two eighteen-story towers replaced them. The Fontainasstraat nearby predates the square. It was built around 1850. Industrial activity once thrived here. Garages, a distillery and a foundry operated until the mid-20th century.
The square underwent redevelopment. It was part of the Fontainas Neighbourhood Contract. The project concluded in 2018. But some felt it lacked play areas, sports facilities and greenery.
In the summer of 2022, a giant Brussels waffle appeared. It was painted on the sports field. Artist Katrien Vanderlinden and local youth created it. This temporary artwork was part of the Playcation project. It aimed to bring play and sports to the neighborhood.
Not everyone was pleased with the changes. Some residents missed having enough benches. The story of Square Jacques Franck is intertwined with a former frituur. Frituur Fontainas was a local favorite since the 1970s. The municipality terminated its permit in 2013 due to the planned renovations. The frituur was demolished in 2017. Today, a grassy mound sits where it once stood.
The area faced issues with youth unrest and vandalism. Even after the 2019 renovation, problems persisted. The Fioul Gang reportedly used the square as their base. Despite these challenges, the square is a lively place. People play football, basketball and hockey. City guards patrol. Residents tend to plants.
Two residential towers stand tall. They were built between 1970 and 1974. Architect Yvan Obozinski designed them. They were commissioned by the Foyer Saint-Gillois. The towers were renovated in 1991. Balconies and loggias disappeared.
Square Jacques Franck is more than concrete and open space. It is a testament to urban evolution. It reflects community efforts and ongoing challenges. It shows the changing face of Saint-Gilles.