Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuven celebrated 50 years of pedestrian streets—Diestsestraat, Mechelsestraat, Pensstraat—since 1975, highlighting their impact on business and community, with former mayor Louis Tobback and aldermen Wadera and Vansina.
As VRT News reported, Leuven is marking the 50th anniversary of its pedestrian shopping streets. Alderman for Trade Lalynn Wadera said the decision was pioneering and helped shape the city centre into a welcoming place for everyone.
How have Leuven’s pedestrian streets shaped the city over 50 years?
Alderman for Mobility Dirk Vansina said the change boosted local shops and strengthened community ties.
“We proved this 50 years ago with the introduction of pedestrian shopping streets: what initially met with resistance later became one of the most beloved places in the city. The recent redevelopment of Mechelsestraat also demonstrates once again how such interventions can significantly boost public space and local life.”
According to Vansina, everyone can easily reach the city centre
“thanks to peripheral parking, (shuttle) buses, and safe bicycle streets,”
and visitors can shop and enjoy themselves without the hustle and bustle of traffic.
“This makes Leuven both accessible and livable.”
The city, local shopping districts, and the non-profit organisation Liefst Leuven have joined forces to mark the milestone. Archival photos of Diestsestraat, Mechelsestraat, and Pensstraat from the past 50 years were placed in shop windows.
The anniversary celebrations coincided with Customer Day. Guided tours were organised to explain the history of the pedestrian streets. Children’s entertainment, fashion shows, and live music were part of the day’s events. Merchants offered treats to customers throughout the city centre.
Former mayor Louis Tobback, who served as alderman for Public Works and Urbanisation in 1975, cut a ribbon alongside the merchants, just as he did 50 years ago. Tobback, who was a driving force behind the project, said he remembers the challenges at the time.
“A cheese merchant from Diestsestraat threatened us with summons,”
Louis Tobback says.
“But we persevered, and that’s also the message I want to convey to the current management team: have the courage to implement changes.”
Leuven first turned Diestsestraat, Mechelsestraat, and Pensstraat into pedestrian streets in September 1975. At the time, it became only the 2nd city in Belgium to create traffic-free shopping streets. The project was led by then-alderman Louis Tobback to make the city centre safer and more welcoming for residents and visitors.
Over the years, the streets grew into popular areas for shopping, dining, and community events. They were renovated and expanded to include cultural activities and local markets. The pedestrian streets have influenced other cities in Belgium and remain a key part of Leuven.
