For many years, the City of Brussels has been pursuing an active policy to make public spaces greener and more resilient to the effects of climate change.
What is it about?
Through the Laken Depaving project, the City is making way for more trees and plants at various locations in Laken. Paved surfaces are being removed. This gives trees and plants more space to grow and allows rainwater to seep back into the ground.
A total of 41 new trees and 2 multi-stemmed shrubs were planted. And more than 740 m² of public space was greened. This is equivalent to an area larger than 3 tennis courts. This reduces the strain on the sewers, minimises flooding during heavy rainfall and makes the city a more pleasant place during hot spells.
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At the junction of the Rue Drootbeek, Rue de Moorslede and Rue Gustave Schildknecht, the public space has been thoroughly greened.
Fourteen new trees were planted, 120 m² of new planting beds were created and 81 m² of grass verges were laid. In addition, 6 bicycle racks were installed to encourage sustainable travel.
This project has resulted in more plants and trees, more space for water infiltration and a more pleasant street environment for residents and passers-by.
The Rue Fransman has undergone a thorough makeover. What used to be primarily a paved thoroughfare is now a more pleasant street. The focus is on social interaction, the quality of the public space and greening.
In total, more than 740 m² of public space has been greened, an area comparable to 3 tennis courts. This makes Laeken greener, cooler and better able to cope with heavy rainfall.
Two extra benches also improve the comfort for residents and visitors.
The Rue Albert De Meyer has evolved from a heavily paved thoroughfare into a pleasant meeting place for the neighbourhood.
Ten new trees were planted and an additional 214 m² of permeable areas were created. In addition, 3 cycle racks and 4 benches were installed.
Thanks to this redevelopment, rainwater is once again able to seep into the ground, creating a more attractive public space for residents.
At the Rue Thys-Vanham, the focus was on increasing the number of trees and plants and creating a more pleasant living environment for residents and the school.
Three new trees and two multi-stemmed shrubs were planted, and 137 m² of additional unpaved space was created. The existing benches were retained. In this way, the street retains its function as a meeting place for the neighbourhood.
This project contributes to greater biodiversity, provides cooling on hot days and creates a more attractive public space.
What purpose?
- More trees provide shade and keep the area cooler
- Less hard surfacing allows rainwater to infiltrate more effectively
- More green spaces contribute to an attractive, liveable and biodiverse city
