Schaerbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Brussels urban movement BRAL opposes Axa-Effeige’s plan to build 509 homes on the 25-hectare Josaphat site in Schaerbeek, citing risks to biodiversity, green space, and social housing guarantees.
As VRT News reported, the Brussels urban movement BRAL has called for a halt to the planned development of the Josaphat site in Schaerbeek, a municipality of Brussels. The group urges authorities to reject the permit currently under review.
The project, developed by Axa-Effeige, plans to build over 500 homes on the former marshalling yard. The permit would facilitate new roads and utilities. BRAL also cautions that the whole site, 25 acres, will be developed, putting one of Brussels’ last remaining areas of green natural space at risk.
What threats does Axa-Effeige’s 509-home plan pose to Schaerbeek’s Josaphat site?
BRAL also points to the lack of essential community facilities for the estimated 1,100 future residents. The group says there is currently no plan or budget for green spaces, schools, daycare centres, shops, or easy access to nearby neighbourhoods.
The Brussels urban movement BRAL says the project could destroy one of Brussels’ last large nature reserves, an important green space for both wildlife and city residents. BRAL also questions whether the development will deliver enough social and affordable housing. While the developer has promised that part of the new homes will be social or affordable. BRAL says the site helps cool the city and the Brussels-Capital Region and supports local biodiversity.
“There are no government budgets or guarantees that the promised 50% social and affordable housing will ever be realised. What is certain is the drastic reduction of the city’s last large nature reserve,”
BRAL said.
The Josaphat site in Schaerbeek is a former railway marshalling yard that has grown into a 25-hectare green space since it closed in 1994, hosting more than 120 species of bees and other wildlife.
Brussels has faced similar disputes over city development in the past. In 2014, plans to redevelop the Tour & Taxis site, a former industrial area along the Brussels Canal, faced opposition from residents and environmental groups. They warned that the project could destroy green spaces and harm local wildlife.
In 2016, the Thurn & Taxis site, another former industrial area, faced similar criticism when new housing and office plans were announced. Activists said open spaces could be lost, wildlife threatened, and community facilities for future residents might be lacking.
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