How times have changed since Jacques Brel sang from the canal like a synonymous of grey sadness!
Capital from the kingdom of Belgium is also the capital of Europe
A destination that’s easy to reach and reasonable prices that won’t strain its visitors’ pockets, regardless of age. This cosmopolitan city that loves good food lives life its way and expresses itself inside a style greatly its own. Despite its European dimension and despite all the different languages spoken around the corner of every street, Brussels continues to be inspired with a very “village-like” spirit. Obviously, it’s well-known for its Grand-Place, its Atomium, its Manneken-Pis, its Gueuze and its Kriek, its waffles and it is chocolates… (don’t miss them!). Take a stroll to Rue Dansaert, Halles Saint-Géry and Place Sainte-Catherine. Head for Saint-Boniface, Ch^atelain or Flagey… You’ll find a Brussels that’s within the spirit of the times, a capital that’s relaxed and comfortable, just as much in the history as with its present-day reality. Very fashionable. Very designer. Very creative. In other words, to put it in a nutshell, just relish Brussels, an excellent and beautiful city to explore and discover…
Denizens and authorities happen to be working hard to rehabilitate this special part of Brussels, crossing it south to north. Increasingly more, el born area has been observed in a far more positive light, illustrating the variety, history, and range of atmospheres that make up Brussels. And it's also be a major environmental asset, as biodiversity continues to be making a comeback thanks to its waters the last few years-
A outcomes of yesteryear and also the future…
Like most major cities, Brussels sprouted from the banks of a river, the Senne. Within the 16th century, the need for a reliable and navigable waterway translated into the digging of a canal linking Brussels to the Escaut river, and thus the North Sea. In the 1800s, the canal was prolonged southward towards Charleroi and it is coal mines. Both eras match periods that saw Brussels flourish and prosper, because of the growth and development of commerce and industry the canal contributed to boost.
-and between the centre and neighbouring municipalities
Long considered as a barrier, the Canal, as locals call it, is now turning into the bridge that reconciles the city centre with the rest of the Region. Since the industrial era, residents usually have kept its neighbourhoods and businesses alive. However, this space has struggled to recover from the deindustrialisation phase. But it continues to be recovering thanks to the valorisation of their industrial heritage, that has been changed into museums, festival sites and other commercial and residential spaces.
A creative hotspot which makes the most of the city’s diversity
In recent years, creators, artists along with other entrepreneurs have led to the revitalisation from the central area of the Canal, located between your city centre and also the municipalities of Molenbeek and Anderlecht, from Tours & Taxis, which houses many shops as well as restaurants along with a host of events all year round, towards the abattoirs in Anderlecht where papilla celebrations are held, and to MIMA, the museum of modern art located at the former Belle-Vue brewery, rich in industrial and brewing history.
The Port of Brussels, a haven for businesses
With the obvious benefit of direct waterway access, the vast available space managed through the Port of Brussels authorities offer logistic, productive and industrial businesses very interesting opportunities to get ready the Canal area. The central position of the long, city-traversing district make its banks easily accessible to many residential and commercial neighbourhoods, while goods being produced on site are offered easy access to Belgium's network of canals and ports. No other district in Brussels connects so rapidly to so many other areas inside in addition to away from city.
A promising future
From the residential districts within the south towards the haven in the north of the city, this waterway can also be the ideal axis for developing public transport and soft mobility: crossing the city through the Canal represents a highly effective solution to traffic issues, whether by boat or bicycle on the quays. And continuing efforts to ensure cleaner water have already led to a good renaissance of biodiversity. All these sustainable development opportunities offer the entire Canal area a dynamic potential that both public authorities and the private sector have previously begun exploiting.
