With the re-opening of the underground passage, SNCB has completed the renovation of North Station in Brussels, a project that began in 2014. North Station is the busiest train station in Belgium, with more than 80 trains an hour and some 60,000 people passing through every weekday.

The works were meant to made the station more accessible and comfortable to passengers but had to respect the building’s historic character. The renovations included installing lifts and escalators to every platform, improvements to the central hall and underground passageway and sound installation to allow passengers to better hear announcements.

The central hall (pictured) is now filled with light and includes more space for passengers to wait for trains. It has also been equipped with escalators and lifts to allow access to the bus stops in the tunnel.

Near the bus stops are a new cycle parking area for 570 bikes, a new Fietspunt for affordable cycle repair and a new Kiss & Ride. New security cameras and an improved communications system have also been installed.

Shops & services

There are new shops and services in the passageway between the platforms and the main station hall, with more on the way next year in other parts of the station. The entire renovation cost €35 million.

Next up for North Station: A complete renovation of the platforms. A study is currently being carried out in preparation.

Hopefully it will take into consideration passengers with limited mobility. Currently, passengers must inform staff three hours ahead of their travels out of North Station if they are in a wheelchair or otherwise require assistance. That’s standard in 41 train stations in Belgium; in the rest, passengers must alert staff 24 hours in advance.

Photo courtesy SNCB