Brussels' Public Space Plan: Stimulating ecological and social cohesion in the Canal area

The Regional Plan for Sustainable Development of the Brussels Capital Region identifies the canal area as the largest strategic development pole of the region. It is a densely built, disfavoured, culturally diverse and segregated area. Since the establishment of the Canal plan, numerous initiatives have been supported to translate its principles into concrete realisations. According to critical reflection by key-stakeholders, these projects showed the need to complement the vision with a specific strategy for the coherence, quality and identity of the public space, with special attention paid to social and environmental improvements.

With this public space plan better social and ecological relations, currently divided by the canal infrastructure, are sought. The public space has the potential to form a new centre in the city, a common and inclusive platform for different neighbourhoods and its citizens. It can allow for more active lifestyles in a more natural and healthier environment.

Due to the width of the canal, fresh air can enter the city core. This, in turn, helps to mitigate emerging heat island effects. The public space along the canal can potentially offer outdoor relief to residents in this part of the region during highly contagious pandemics, and thus contribute to equitable healthy inclusive cities.