The De Brouckère and Bourse station construction projects are aimed at improving passenger comfort and safety in both stations over the next year or so.

Brussels transport system: extensive renovation of metro stations De Brouckère and Bourse gets under way.

By the end of next year, the metro and premetro stations De Brouckère and Bourse, located at the heart of the capital, will be subject to extensive renovation. The first signs of this are already evident.

The Brussels Minister for Transport, Pascal Smet (Alternative Socialist Party) indicated yesterday (Monday) that the Brussels region will inject some twenty million euros into these works. These are being carried out without closing the stations.

The bulk of the work will revolve around accessibility, security, lighting and premises hygiene.

At the Bourse station, the main renovation works will start on April 20th (next month) with completion due during the summer of 2018. They will involve a total of 9.3 million euros. The asbestos in the building will be removed.

The metro station’s mezzanine level will then undergo a complete transformation. A large main entrance will be constructed. The disabled will benefit from available lift access. The investment is also due to encompass hygiene, video surveillance cameras, wash rooms and lighting.

Paul Bury’s and Paul Delvaux’s art works will be given a prominent position. An area will be planned to display art works. Eventually a parking area will make it possible to store some 800 bicycles. These will be able to be maintained in a repair shop.

The metro station De Brouckère has already benefited for several weeks and, indeed will continue to do so through to the summer from renovation works. This is with a view to making the building watertight.

In the underground, the transformation of the three parts of the station (the premetro underneath the Place De Brouckère, the metro close to the Place de la Monnaie, and the link tunnel) will be complete.

There is also the issue of increased security and accessibility. Thus a new entrance is planned at the corner of Place de la Monnaie and the Rue de l’Écuyer.

The De Brouckère station will also have secure cycle storage for some 480 bikes. Likewise at the Bourse station, there will also be a bike dock. This site will cost some 11 million euros.

Oscar Schneider

The Brussels Times