Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels renovates Place de la Liberté to benefit historical properties and green spaces by raising the ground level, which could improve trees growth and the use of public spaces.
The works will be split into three phases and will be completed within 100 working days. The aim is to maintain the healthiness of the square trees without destroying them in the future. This square together with its surrounding facades forms an area of great historical value. During the late 1970s the City of Brussels planted trees in the square. The square is in bad shape nowadays because of the soil underneath it’s bad and the roots of the trees are growing upwards which means they’re not going down. This is very harmful to the street.
How will the Place de la Liberté renovation impact society and culture?
The city officials had in 2023 proposed redeveloping the square without damaging its trees and greenery elements that are very important in the struggle against the rising temperatures in the city. It is now that the Commission has asked for the first time to replace the trees with short plants so that people could easily view the historical facades and disapproved of the city’s plan. After the city appealed the Brussels Capital Region had finally given the green signal for the construction permit.
The plan for the makeover will respect historical features in the square. They will replant the green space around the statue and install new decorative fencing in the form of the original design. Raise the ground around the trees to a higher level and make landscapes using dolomite for the growing of the trees. According to resources Maes said that the City of Brussels is more than glad that the trees will remain with us. They will really be doing their job by cooling us off on hot days. The renovation is going to show that city history and nature can work together she continued. We are excited for the renewed lanterrace with a view over Place de la Liberté.
