Many projects to experience in Brussels this summer

This summer, there are several projects under the calls “Brussels on Holiday” and “StaycationBXL” to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the streets and public spaces of Brussels.

As in 2020, the Brussels Region has invited associations to propose local and indigenous initiatives so that residents can take full advantage of the city’s public spaces.

Brussels projects on holiday, to enjoy your city in peace

Elke Van den Brandt, Minister for Mobility and Public Works: “Travel is not an option for many Brussels residents, even in normal times. Many people do not have a garden or balcony. So often the public space is an extension of Brussels living rooms. Everywhere, in the gardens and yards: There are a lot of people in public and much needed extra space. Places to play, stroll quietly under the trees, learn to ride a bike, and have fun on an ice cream bench on a city vacation!”

A total of 116 projects were submitted. All applications were evaluated according to the priorities of the Good Move Regional Mobility Plan:

• More space is available for accommodation function (including playing) and meeting
• The greenest in the city
• More attention to active transportation

49 projects have been selected in the most diverse areas of Brussels: Place Fontainas, the Jette station area, the area around the Palais de Justice, Rue Picard, Flagey, Place Saint-Lambert, Aumale / Kuregem …

Sophie Wachb, Project Lead at Brussels Mobility: “At the end of 2020, VUB conducted an assessment of the impact of last year’s ‘Brussels on Holidays’ projects on the local population. This positive evaluation encouraged us to repeat the release by connecting slightly to the needs and desires of the project leaders.”

Projects aim to be inclusive and participatory. Fabrik vzw: “In 2020, we gathered the residents of the densely populated St. Jost streets to beautify the parks around the trees in the neighbourhood. The exchanges were very valuable, and this summer we will implement a project at the intersection of Middaglijnstraat and Haachtsesteenweg, in a neighborhood worthy of upgrading.”

Many projects also focus on active transportation, such as teaching children to ride a bike, workshops to learn to repair your bike, etc.

Tom Gijssels van Toestand vzw: “Last year, thanks to a call for projects, we were able to set up a participatory cycling workshop ‘Korenbike’. Since then our volunteers have become an essential part of the Korenbeek site in Molenbeek. Local teens want to ride bikes, and through this New support We hope to further expand and continue the project.

Staycation BXL projects, sports and culture for all

234 projects were submitted to the Flemish Community Committee. 120 selected StaycationBXL initiatives will provide a comprehensive offer of youth, culture, sports and leisure in every municipality in Brussels this summer. For example, children will go through town with a horse and a donkey and Muntpunt will visit public places with a summer toy box. There will be an interactive column in the Gare Maritime and the city jungle in front of the BRONKS. This year you can kayak the canal again. And at the Flow pool in Anderlecht, Zinnema will present artistic interventions and Cinema Galeries will present a selection of films.

Pascal Smit, Member of the VGC Board of Directors for Culture, Youth and Sports: “Every day many Brussels residents are committed to making their city a better place, and it is the capital of our city. The initiatives within StaycationBXL can really make a difference. It is often the locals themselves who know what the neighborhood needs. Over the past year and a half, many Brussels residents have realized that the city’s public spaces are just a place to relax, meet, play and exercise.During the stay, we invest in countless activities so that the people of Brussels can (re)discover their city.Moreover We are bringing artists and other initiators back to work for a fair wage.”

All information about Staycation BXL can be found at www.staycation.brussels.