Restructuring is underway here at Bassin de Biestebroeck. It is transforming this former industrial area into a mixed urban district. The Biestebroekdok in Anderlecht is more than just a body of water. It is a symbol of urban renewal.
The Brussels Region and the municipality developed a strategy. It was formalized in a Special Land Use Plan. This plan envisions housing, schools and businesses. It includes shops, facilities, and green public spaces. Beliris is taking charge of this last aspect.
Beliris’s intervention zone includes several key areas. Pierre Marchant Street and Klein Eiland form a central axis. They connect to the Marchant Bridge. Brussels Mobility is currently restoring this bridge. The project also involves redeveloping existing roads. They are being adapted for their new role in the urban district. Green spaces are being created. These extend from the bridge pillars along Grondelstraat. They form part of the regional green network.
The quays of the Bassin de Biestebroeck are being redeveloped. This will make them accessible to everyone. It will strengthen the connection with the canal. This project is a key part of the Canal Plan. It coordinates various development projects for the Biestebroeck site.
In June 2012, Anderlecht approved a master plan. It defines the area and guidelines for redeveloping the Bassin de Biestebroeck. The Special Land Use Plan translates this master plan. It puts the main guidelines into regulatory requirements.
In May 2013, the Brussels-Capital Region amended the Regional Land Use Plan. This allows the industrial areas of Biestebroeck to be transformed. They will become Urban Business Zones. This is achieved through a mix of productive activities and housing.
The Special Land Use Plan for Biestebroeck has several goals. It aims to reconnect the canal’s two banks and the neighborhoods. It encourages a mix of functions. These include housing, businesses, and sports facilities. It promotes the integration of port and productive activities in an urban environment.
The plan seeks to create new public spaces and green areas. These benefit residents. It also adds new facilities to meet their needs. Three schools are planned within the area. It aims to restore the area’s central role. This is within the municipality of Anderlecht. It also enhances the site’s heritage. This contributes to the area’s identity.
Several public and private initiatives are underway around Biestebroeck. The Canal Team and the Anderlecht municipal administration support these. City Dox provides housing and public housing. It also has a school, shops, and services integrated with businesses. Rivand offers housing, retail, wholesale, and services. These are also integrated with businesses. Citygate 2 is a joint project. It includes housing, productive activities, and two schools.
Despite changes and modifications to the plans, the vision remains. The Bassin de Biestebroeck is becoming a vibrant part of Brussels. It will offer a mix of living, working, and leisure opportunities. The Biestebroekdok stands as a testament to Brussels’ commitment. It will transform former industrial sites. It will create sustainable urban communities.