The government of Brussels has selected the three new areas for this twelfth series of sustainable neighbourhood contracts. The selection process has been marked by the Covid crisis and difficulties linked to housing conditions, in particular for vulnerable groups. That is why the areas chosen all feature large social housing complexes. New areas which have never had access to a neighbourhood contract before are thus being considered for the first time. The needs are considerable; this is where the urban renovation policy really comes into its own.<\/p>\n
Versailles, in the Ville de Bruxelles area<\/strong> Deux Cit\u00e9s in Forest<\/strong> One hundred years later, let’s bring magic back to Cit\u00e9 Moderne in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe\u00a0<\/strong> The City of Brussels, the municipality of Forest and the municipality of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe are in search of teams to devise the basic scheme and produce an environmental impact report within the timeframes and as indicated in the Order dated 6 October 2016. SKILLS<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAt the edge of Neder-over-Hembeek, Cit\u00e9 Versailles is a vast social housing complex built between 1968 and 1983 in a rural area. It features medium and high rise residential buildings, a mix of different architectural styles, and a green space running through it. Its morphology, based on the principle a park inhabited by people, resembles other social housing developments in the Brussels region such as the Peterbos neighbourhood in Anderlecht or the Cit\u00e9 Mod\u00e8le in Laeken. Isolated from the rest of greater Brussels, the Versailles neighbourhood is one of the lowest-income areas in the ZRU (Urban Revitalisation Zone) and faces significant social, environmental challenges.<\/p>\n
\nDeux Cit\u00e9s covers approximately 13 ha and encompasses the Cit\u00e9-Jardin Forest Vert and Les Blocs Jaunes de la Nouvelle Cit\u00e9 estates. An agricultural area at the beginning of the 19th century, the neighbourhood progressively became urbanised with the arrival of manufacturing and industrial activities which took advantage of the presence of the Geleytsbeek and the nascent rail network. Names of roads such as Verrerie<\/em> (Glassmakers), Teinturerie<\/em> (Dyeing Factory), Soierie <\/em>(Silk Factory), make reference this heritage. The recent renovations in Les Deux Cit\u00e9s, as well as the many ongoing nearby projects, call for closer attention to be paid to the needs of current and future residents to provide them with the necessary facilities and a welcoming environment.<\/p>\n
\nThis sustainable neighbourhood contract, awarded for the first time to the municipality of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe aims to staunch the slow process of decline that is affecting this early 20th century gem of modernist urbanism. It aims to rekindle the spirit which inspired the founders of the Cit\u00e9 Moderne a hundred years ago. To awaken a contemporary energy and ambition reflective of society as it is today and the diverse communities of which it is composed.<\/p>\n
\nEach team may apply for one, two or all three CQDs.<\/p>\n