Public Space
Renovatie Jubelpark Brussel kondigt nationaal jubileum aan
In anticipation of Belgium’s 200th anniversary in 2030, the iconic Parc du Cinquantenaire is undergoing a major renovation. The ambition is clear: the park is to become a central green lung for the capital, a place where residents and visitors can meet, relax, and enjoy culture.
With increased biodiversity, smart water management, sustainable mobility, and a clear vision for user comfort, the park will once again become a valuable link in the urban fabric.
- Client
- Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region
- Location
- Brussels
- Expertise
- Landscape vision and ecology, climate adaptation and mitigation, design of water and drainage networks
- Partners
- Michel Pauwels ontwerpbureau, OMGEVING
Commissioned by the Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region, Sweco is working with partners Michel Pauwels and OMGEVING on the redevelopment of the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Sweco is responsible for the design and technical development of the landscape vision, with special attention to ecology, climate adaptation, and sustainable water management. Through an integrated approach, the park is being reshaped into an accessible, resilient, and multifunctional space that meets the contemporary needs of the city and its inhabitants.
Our vision is inspired by the idea of a “Central Park for Brussels”: an open, green meeting place that functions both locally and city-wide. We translate this ambition into a concrete design that respects historical structures while incorporating modern functions, climate-resilient interventions, and sustainable infrastructure.
Comprehensive Vision with Respect for Heritage
The renovation is based on a comprehensive vision that reimagines the park as a modern meeting place, without losing sight of its historical value. The existing structure remains recognisable but is enhanced with new functions. The triumphal arch and monumental museum entrances are given greater prominence, with improved sightlines and redesigned surrounding squares. The metropolitan axis between Schuman and Merode will feature an underground connection, improving park accessibility and reducing surface traffic.
The Parc du Cinquantenaire as a National Symbol
The Parc du Cinquantenaire was created in 1880 to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence, initiated by King Leopold II. The site was intended to instil a sense of national pride and progress in the young Belgian state. Designed as an exhibition site, the park became a symbol of the Belgian state, featuring monumental architecture, museums, and open space for public events.
At the heart of the park stands the iconic triumphal arch, completed in 1905, symbolically connecting the Belgian provinces. Together with the arcades and surrounding buildings, it forms an impressive neoclassical architectural ensemble. Around the arch are three major museums: the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, Autoworld Museum, and the Royal Institute for Art and History. These institutions attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making the park a cultural hotspot.
Over the years, the Parc du Cinquantenaire has played a role in many historic moments. It has hosted world exhibitions, military parades, national holidays, and international events. At the same time, it has become a beloved spot for Brussels residents to walk, exercise, or simply unwind. Today, nearly a century and a half after its creation, the park is entering a new phase. The planned renovation returns to the park’s original ambition: to create a place that connects the city.
Ecological redevelopment boosts biodiversity
The new planting schemes are tailored to the ecological challenges of the Brussels Region. Two wide grass strips at the park entrance have already been transformed into flower meadows with a mix of bulbs and seeds that ensure continuous blooming from early spring to autumn. These zones are bordered by low hedges and discreet fences, offering shelter to insects, birds, and small mammals.
Around the monumental trees, the soil is enriched with a special substrate and paths are narrowed to relieve the root zones. At the base of the trees, low vegetation is planted to reduce evaporation and retain water. At the same time, the tree population is being rejuvenated: diseased or ageing specimens are gradually replaced with climate-resistant species over a twenty-year period.
Water management retains rainwater in the park
Rainwater management is being completely redesigned. Water from surrounding roofs is collected in underground tanks and used to irrigate plants during dry periods. The existing sprinkler system is replaced with an automatic system and upgraded piping. Paths are laid with semi-permeable surfaces to allow local infiltration of rainwater. The paved area around the retirees’ pavilion is also replaced with a permeable surface.
Rain gardens are created throughout the park: lowered zones with vegetation where rainwater is temporarily stored and slowly seeps into the ground. At the park edges, along Yser Avenue, Nerviens Avenue and Joyeuse Entrée Avenue, infiltration ditches provide additional buffering. This keeps rainwater within the park as much as possible and reduces the risk of flooding.
Sport and recreation in harmony with park design
Existing sports and play areas are completely redesigned and better integrated into the landscape. The current athletics track, which is poorly connected to the rest of the park, is shortened to 330 metres and narrowed to 45 metres. This allows the tree-lined avenue on the Horta axis to be extended to the Bordiau Hall.
In the centre of the track, two multi-sports fields with artificial turf are installed, suitable for yoga, slacklining and other recreational sports. In the curve of the track, a zone is created for athletic disciplines such as long jump and shot put. Next to the track, two courts are set up for ball sports, followed by two rows with a total of fourteen pétanque courts. Play areas are adapted to different age groups and user profiles, with existing equipment retained where still in good condition.
Sustainable materials and circular choices
The park infrastructure receives a sustainable upgrade. All asphalted areas are replaced with natural stone, including around the museums, at the Wetstraat entrance and on the square at Tervuren Avenue. This not only enhances aesthetic quality but also improves water permeability. Much of the existing urban furniture is retained and repaired where necessary. Signage is completely renewed, with clear and minimalist signs that intuitively guide visitors through the park.
Energy-efficient lighting with respect for fauna
Lighting in the park is fully renewed with energy-efficient fixtures. The central avenue between Wetstraat and Tervuren Avenue, along with the two paths beside the museums, remains lit throughout the night. Other paths are lit until midnight, respecting nocturnal fauna and reducing light pollution.
In 2021, the museums received façade lighting. This project also subtly highlights other heritage elements such as the Beyaert Tower, the Horta Pavilion, the exedras and the north façade of the Bordiau Hall, ensuring they remain visible at night without dominating the park.
