Preparation of the works for the opening up of the Senne in the north of Brussels

The Senne, the main waterway in Brussels and an important element in the city's history, originally flowed freely through the territory of the Region. Due to population growth and the increase in pollution associated with it, it has become an open sewer and therefore a major factor of poor hygiene. From the second half of the 19th century, vault constructions were then installed along the entire urban route.

The commissioning of wastewater treatment plants in the south and north of Brussels (in 2000 and 2007 respectively) and the dredging of contaminated sludge from the Senne have made a significant contribution to improving water quality and have thus opened up the possibility of bringing the Senne back to the surface, but also of restoring contact between citizens and the water in the city. This is not easy in an urban context where space is limited. The LIFE Belini programme is an important incentive to reopen the Senne wherever possible.

In this context, in September 2020, work began in the north of Brussels, near the Aquiris wastewater treatment plant on the former Esso industrial site, to reopen the Senne over a length of approximately 210 metres and to restore its banks to their natural state. The works should be completed very soon.

This work consisted of several phases, ranging from the demolition of the vault to the construction and restoration of the new banks to their natural state. The latter consist partly of the demolished and crushed concrete of the vaulting, which means that this site also fits into a logic of circularity of materials. In the same vein, some of the plantings that have been or will be carried out on site have been cleared before the start of the work.

The time-lapse of the construction site is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rjrYg66GFQ