The Brussels metro station Naamspoort has been given a brand new look after a major six-month renovation.
This station, one of the oldest and busiest junctions on the STIB network, is the first to be tackled as part of Brussels Mobility's new refresh programme. This programme, called “Refresh,” aims to modernise metro and pre-metro stations in Brussels by combining technical improvements and aesthetic innovations.
The renovation brought about both practical and visual improvements. Six new escalators, including two serving the new entrance at Bolwerksquare, ensure better flow. At the same time, the platforms' floors were renewed with wear-resistant material, including guide tiles to better support the visually impaired. The problem of water infiltration in the passage to Naamsestraat was addressed with concrete injections, while the wall cladding in this passage was given a fresh look.
anti-graffiti agent
The marble in the station was also thoroughly cleaned and treated with an anti-graffiti agent, making it better protected against vandalism. The access gates were strategically repositioned to allow passengers to pass through more efficiently and to improve ticket control. Furthermore, the station underwent a cleaning in hard-to-reach areas, and the furniture was refreshed.
With this ambitious plan, Brussels Mobility hopes not only to improve the technical condition of the stations, but also to create a more pleasant environment for the hundreds of thousands of travellers who use public transport every day.
Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt emphasizes that the aim of the program is to improve the travel experience for STIB users. "Thanks to the new Refresh program, Brussels Mobility is accelerating the creation of more pleasant, attractive stations, without having to wait for a total renovation that lasts for years," says Van den Brandt. "The stations will be more accessible to everyone, better lit, and safer. Naamsepoort is the pioneer in this project, but in the coming years, several stations will receive a similar makeover each year."
The renewal programme focuses on an integrated approach in which both technical improvements and aesthetic finishing are central. Philippe Yenny, director of the Public Transport Infrastructure Service of Brussels Mobility, emphasises the financial and practical advantage of this approach: “By grouping the works, we can work faster and cheaper. This also means less inconvenience for travellers.”
art as an eye-catcher
An important part of the renovation is the upgrading of the existing artworks in the station. The two existing installations were restored and put back in the spotlight. In addition, the art collective Au Quai added a striking new fresco, which contributes to the liveliness of the space. Art plays a central role in the renovation plans of Brussels Mobility, to make the stations not only functional but also visually attractive.
The renovation of the Naamsepoort metro station is just the beginning. The program aims to renovate two to four stations each year. The next stations to be renovated are Diamant, Stokkel, Ossegem and Zwarte Vijvers. Each station will receive a facelift that focuses on the specific needs and challenges of the location, without unnecessarily burdening passengers with long-term works.
