Conflicting interests

The brick building with its central clock across the Canal is the Royal Depot on the Tour & Taxis site, which we will explore later. In the foreground are some old sheds that are temporarily being used by Allee du Kaai, a venue for social, artistic and sporting activities. On this side you can see on the right a renovated industrial crane and some brand-new apartment buildings.

Former industrial canal areas like this contend with two conflicting tendencies. For several years now, goods transport by water has been encouraged again for ecological reasons. On the other hand, waterside homes are very much back in fashion. Land that could be developed for much-needed urban production and employment for the low-skilled is at risk of being used for lucrative conversions to create residential lofts. The Regional Canal Plan (2013) attempts to strike a balance between the different functions. In addition, it seeks to reconnect the districts separated by the Canal. The brand-new Suzan Daniel Bridge (2021) will bring cyclists, pedestrians and public transport from the Quartier Nord to Tour & Taxis. It is named after a Brussels journalist who founded the first gay and lesbian movement in our country in 1953. On the other side, Allée du Kaai will have to make way for a new park within the next few years.

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