North Station

The first North Station (1841) was located 300 meters closer to the city center, at Rogier Square. For the construction of the North-South connection, the new station had to be not only pushed back but also built higher. Thanks to the recent renovation, the design from the early 1950s stands out much better again. The former ticket hall is now a bright and pleasant waiting area. At the start of the renovation, the NMBS wanted to remove its old emblem from the southern wall. After mass protests, ‘l’Etoile du Nord’ was protected. The wooden platform benches fared less well, as they are gradually being replaced by metal versions with armrests starting in 2022. Protests from heritage guardians had no effect. Homeless individuals sometimes rested on the durable wooden benches. According to the NMBS, they caused too much nuisance.

Right next to the ticket hall and the former façade of the North Station, the North Communications Center (CCN) was built in the 1970s. This imposing administrative block is currently being demolished. In our DIY walk ‘North District, along office and canal’, you can learn more about the future of the North District.

• Return back to Aarschotstraat.

UiTinBrussel