Urban integration
A key objective for the port of Brussels is to make the most of its location within a large metropolitan area. Urban integration here is crucial for its development.
For many years now, the port has had an integration strategy designed to reconnect it and its activities to the urban fabric while taking account of the needs of the city and its inhabitants
The first stage in the implementation of this strategy has been the redevelopment of the Béco basin to open it up as a 'window' onto the harbour and to provide public spaces and leisure facilities.
A more comprehensive approach to renovation of the harbour area has also already been undertaken. It is formalized under a "Charter for the development of the port of Brussels" signed by the port's authority and companies, whereby both parties undertake to work together on modernizing the harbour in keeping with the urban environment.
The focus of their joint efforts will be on the industrial architecture itself, as well as green areas, fencing, access and maintenance.
Recommendations as regards colours, materials, dimensions, etc., have been drawn up to ensure overall harmony and cohesion.
The port of Brussels authority is also taking great care to ensure that aesthetics are not left out of the architectural equation.
The Béco dock redevelopment plan also included the posting of new 'right bank' and 'left bank' signs and markings, in the green and red colours used for harbour access beacons, to acquaint city dwellers with this concept and help them locate these areas.
Another component of the urban integration of the port's infrastructures is greater diversification of inland waterway use.
A whole range of sports and recreational activities, such as boating, sailing and rowing schools, river and sea cruises, are catered for. A brand new nautical centre has also been built in the outer harbour, harmoniously combining the port's functionality with more leisure-oriented uses of the waterway.
A number of other events and activities aim to open up the port area to the general public. The now regularly-held Fête du port (Port of Brussels Festival), which attracts over 30,000 visitors, is telling of the legitimacy of such an approach in linking the port and its hinterland. Also very popular is the annual 'Bruxelles-les-Bains' event organized by the City of Brussels, where local residents can go to the beach on their very doorstep!
Located as it is at the very heart of a large metropolitan area, within a territorially and institutionally limited territory, the port of Brussels is indeed set to fulfil its role as both a logistic hub and factor of urban integration. This clearly illustrates that the more functional activities of a port to meet economic and trade needs can and do go hand-in-hand with other aspirations.