Brussels Pedestrian Zone Celebrates 10 Years of Vibrant Urban Transformation..

Brussels Pedestrian Zone Marks 10 Years of Urban Renewal

A new heart for Brussels transformed Anspachlaan into a vibrant, mostly car-free zone, boosting visitors but stirring debate on housing and tourism.

Marie Dupont29 June 2025Last Update : 7 hours ago

Voetgangerszone in Brussel blaast tien kaarsjes uit

www.bruzz.be

The transformation of Brussels’ city centre has been a major urban focus since the announcement of “Een nieuw hart voor Brussel” in January 2014. This ambitious plan aimed to give residents more space and boost the local economy by redesigning the heart of the capital. On 29 June 2015, the Anspachlaan was officially pedestrianised over an 800-metre stretch, marking a significant step in this vision.

6 Key Takeaways

Brussels central area redesigned for more space
Anspachlaan transformed into 800-meter pedestrian zone
Project cost exceeded budget by over 7 million
Pedestrian zone attracts 29,100 daily visitors
Air quality improved but NO2 still high
Critics warn of over-tourism and housing issues

After nearly a decade and a final cost of €27.8 million, the project was completed in summer 2024. The pedestrian zone, now the fourth busiest “traffic artery” in Brussels, attracts around 29,100 visitors daily, with over half of the commercial outlets dedicated to hospitality, including many fast-food options. With the official milestone reached on 2025-06-29 10:44:00, questions arise about the impact on residents and the city’s future.

How has this redevelopment affected Brussels’ air quality and urban life? And can the city balance tourism growth with residents’ needs? These questions lead US to the current state of Brussels’ evolving city centre.

Fast Answer: Brussels’ central pedestrian zone has improved air quality slightly and boosted visitor numbers, but concerns remain over rising tourism pressure, housing affordability, and ongoing mobility challenges for locals.

While the pedestrianisation has brought clear benefits, it also raises critical issues for Brussels. Is the city prioritising visitors over residents? The debate includes:

Air quality improvements with reduced NO2, yet still above WHO limits
Increased tourism and commercial activity, especially hospitality and fast food
Criticism over lack of affordable housing and sustained mobility problems
Growing local support mainly from frequent city centre visitors, less so from peripheral Brussels residents

Brussels faces a delicate balance between urban renewal and preserving residents’ quality of life, a challenge common across major European capitals.

Looking ahead, Brussels must continue refining its city centre strategy to ensure sustainable growth. Can future projects better integrate affordable housing and mobility solutions? Engaged citizens and policymakers alike should advocate for a vibrant, inclusive heart of Brussels that serves everyone.