Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Activists from Free 54, BRAL, Zinneke, and other groups recently focused on public space issues in Brussels, especially at Sint-Katelijneplein, where businesses have taken over community areas.
On 15th September Sunday evening, some groups like Bral, Free 54, Zinneke, Stadskanker, and Octopussy held a debate about how public spaces are used in Brussels. Local politicians and community members came together to talk about managing these areas. After the debate, a group of activists decided to take action to show their concerns about public spaces. They went to Sint-Katelijneplein and set up 50 wooden benches. It has been said that this was to highlight the need for public areas that are easy to access and well-designed for everyone to enjoy. The benches served as a clear reminder of the issues discussed, trying to involve both the public and decision-makers in a meaningful way.
How do activists in Brussels fight to reclaim public space at Sint-Katelijneplein?
In 2015, there was a change at Sint-Katelijneplein in Brussels as young people were forced to leave. The benches where they used to hang out were removed and replaced with cafĂ© and restaurant areas, shifting the square’s focus to dining and drinking. To fight this change and reclaim the space for the community, activists held a protest. Lea from Free 54 said they put 50 wooden benches back on the square to symbolically bring back what was lost. They wanted to make the space more welcoming and show how it used to be a community area, unlike now, which is focused on businesses. The benches reminded everyone that public spaces should be for different activities and socializing, not just for commercial purposes.
On 11th September Wednesday, the city authorities removed the benches that activists had placed on Sint-Katelijneplein. This happened shortly after the benches were set up as part of a protest to reclaim public space. Lea from Free 54 was upset about the city’s decision, saying it was a way to shut down a community effort. She mentioned that the project took a lot of time and money over a year of work and more than 3,000 euros to build the benches. Removing them not only went against their message but also left the activists confused about where the benches went, which made them even more frustrated. Lea criticized the city’s actions as arrogant and promised to continue fighting against the privatization of public spaces, showing their dedication to protecting and reclaiming areas for everyone to enjoy.
