Have you ever wondered where Brussels meets the countryside? That place is Neerpede. This often-overlooked corner of Anderlecht offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban development.
Neerpede is a neighborhood and former hamlet that lies to the west of Anderlecht. It is part of the Pajottenland. This covers 3.5 square kilometers. The area is largely rural and protected. Surprisingly, it is bordered by the Brussels Ring.
Let’s step back in time. The 16th century saw Neerpede immortalized in Pieter Brueghel the Elder’s paintings. Fast forward to 1777. The Ferraris map marks Neerpede as a hamlet west of Anderlecht.
The 1960s brought change. Part of the valley became urbanized. This followed the American “Park system” model. Large housing towers were built surrounded by parks. These acted as a green belt.
The 1970s were tough. The Brussels Ring was constructed next to Neerpede village. Residents felt this keenly. Soon after, a hospital named Erasme, a university campus, and an industrial zone linked to research sprang up nearby.
The 1980s saw further transformation. Much of Neerpede became a sports zone. Golf, football, and tennis facilities appeared. The area shifted from farmland to a mix of countryside and urban park.
Attempts were made to integrate Neerpede into Dilbeek in 1982 and 1986. Senator M. Valkeniers proposed laws. However, these failed.
In 1998, a Cora shopping center was built. This was next to the Ring. Despite protests from environmentalists and citizens, the natural area around Neerpede was affected.
A Décathlon store followed in 2006. It was built next to Cora. The mayor at the time opposed the project. He did not attend its inauguration.
More recently, permits were granted in 2014. About 13 hectares of Neerpede next to the Erasme hospital were urbanized. Housing, a nursery school, student accommodations, a care home, and an administrative building for the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company STIB were constructed. Around 1,300 homes were built for about 3,000 people. This greatly changed the once-rural landscape. It became a new part of the city.
Neerpede has several subdivisions and landmarks. These include the Plateau du Vlasendael and the Vallon du Koeivijver. Also, there is La Roselière and the Parc de la Pede. Finally, there is the “Chaudron.”
The Parc de la Pede is worth a visit. So is the Luizenmolen. This is a classified reconstruction of an old windmill. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht’s rugby section or the Royal Amicale Anderlecht Golf Club. Yeti Ski offers a large synthetic ski and snowboard slope.
Neerpede is also home to several equestrian centers. These are Pony Paradise and Amazone. The youth training center of RSCA’s football section is located here. As is the Chenille of the Brussels-Midi police zone.
Getting here is easy. From the north, take exit 15 Anderlecht-Ouest via the N220a. From the south, use exit 15a Anderlecht-Ouest. From the Pajottenland, follow the N282.
Today, Neerpede faces the challenge of balancing its rural identity with urban growth. As you explore Neerpede, consider its past. Think about its present. Imagine its future. Neerpede is not just a place. It’s a story of Brussels itself.