Across Brussels, urban renewal programmes, such as Sustainable Neighbourhood Contracts (SNCs) and Urban Policy – Pillar 2, are helping to create new spaces for socialising, leisure and community life.
Make the most of the start of the new school year to discover five projects in Forest and Brussels-City:
- 12 September: Albert Square in Forest
- 12 September as well: the Charroi skatepark in Forest
- 30 September: several public spaces transformed in the Marolles in Brussels-City
- 7 October: the Primeurs sports centre in Forest
- 9 October: the playground in Tilleuls Garden in Forest
Activities and festive moments will bring these openings to life, and everyone is welcome to join.
Saturday 12 September in Forest
1. A new, welcoming square in the heart of the Albert neighbourhood
Come and see the redevelopment of the Albert square!
- Opening ceremony on Saturday 12 September from 2.00 pm to 3:30 pm
- Entertainment + open days at the CENTR'AL complex
- Free admission
Located at the heart of the Albert crossroads in Forest, this new square marks the completion of the “Albert“ SNC and complements the CENTR'AL sports and cultural complex (winner of the 2016 be.exemplary award). Thanks to funding from Beliris and the municipality of Forest, in collaboration with the design offices B-architecten & OMGEVING, the project has created a more pleasant and accessible square by harmonising the paving, improving access for people with reduced mobility and installing new street furniture. Designed to be a truly modern, green space where people can socialise, the Albert square redefines the urban fabric of Avenue Besme and Chaussée d’Alsemberg, directly benefiting local residents.
Information, programme and invitation (fr)
2. The Charroi skatepark
Continue the fun at the new skatepark in Forest and discover a space designed for fans of skateboarding, BMX, rollerblading and scooters.
- Opening ceremony on Saturday 12 September 2026 from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
- Entertainment + an introduction to skateboarding (limited places)
- Free admission
- Under the railway bridge on Rue du Charroi, Forest
Funded by the “Wiels-sur-Senne” SNC, this 600-m² urban skatepark, designed by the architectural firm Reservoir A in collaboration with Antidote, offers local residents a new sports and leisure facility. This new concrete facility, which is partially sheltered from the elements by the bridge, offers elements suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. A truly inclusive space where people of all ages can come together, right at the heart of the neighbourhood.
Information, programme and invitation (fr)Wednesday 30 September in Brussels-City
3. The Marolles district unveil its new living spaces
Come and celebrate the transformation of several iconic public spaces in the historic Marolles district and rediscover a greener, more pleasant and more welcoming neighbourhood.
- Opening ceremony on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- From 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
- Musical stroll around the four blocks + a party in Arrosoir square
- Free admission
Made possible thanks to the “Les Marolles” SNC, this large-scale project – led by the City of Brussels in collaboration with the architectural firm Suède 36 – has transformed six local sites by introducing green spaces, reducing impermeable surfaces and diversifying their uses:
- Lacaille-Fleuriste: creation of a spacious, green square designed for relaxation
- Arrosoir and Sainte-Thérèse: development of two play areas, sports trails and extensive greening
- Porte-Rouge: renovation of the playground, including a wooden climbing area and the creation of a channel to collect rainwater
- Montserrat and Prévoyance: expansion of the urban vegetable gardens, installation of a mobile henhouse and facilities to attract wildlife, and a space showcasing a large central plane tree
Designed in consultation with local residents, these new, more welcoming and inclusive areas now provide a network of green, peaceful spaces at the heart of the neighbourhood’s dense urban fabric.
Information, programme and invitation (fr)Wednesday 7 October in Forest
4. A completely redesigned sports centre in Forest
(Re)discover the Primeurs sports centre, which is reopening its doors after a major renovation!
- Opening ceremony on Wednesday 7 October 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
- Free admission
- Rue des Primeurs 20-22 and inside the sports centre
A great opportunity to enjoy this modernised local facility, which will feature a new room dedicated to gentle exercise.
Located on the corner of Rue des Primeurs and Rue du Feu, the Primeurs sports centre has been completely redesigned to improve its operations, accessibility and integration into the neighbourhood. Carried out by the AgwA firm as part of the former “Primeurs-Pont de Luttre“ Neighbourhood Contract (NC), the project was made possible thanks to funding from Beliris and two initiatives under the Urban Policy – Pillar 2.
Friday 9 October in Forest
5. A new play area in Tilleuls Garden
The same week, still in Forest, discover the new playground in Tilleuls Garden and its playful extension along avenue des Familles!
- Opening ceremony on Friday 9 October 2026, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- Free admission
- Activities at the playground and along avenue des Familles
Created as part of the municipality of Forest’s network of play spaces, with support from the Urban Policy – Pillar 2, this new development is inspired by the theme of plant dyeing, reflecting the history of the neighbourhood and the nearby dye gardens.
The project continues along avenue des Familles with a playful trail, complementing the facilities in Tilleuls Garden to provide local residents and the school Pavillon des Tilleuls with a safe, accessible and welcoming public space, featuring play equipment, seating and shaded areas.
To go further
Find out more about Neighbourhood Contracts (NC) and Sustainable Neighbourhood Contracts (SNC)
Learn more about this urban regeneration policy through two videos produced by Urban.
