Jean Rey Square

Geschiedenis

Jean Rey Square is a square in the European Quarter of Brussels inaugurated in 2001.Design and locationThe square is paved with natural stone, bordered by plant boxes and benches facing 24 water jets in the centre which mirror the Maelbeek collector and storm basin below. Trees line the western side (not open to traffic) mirroring the axis starting at the entrance of Leopold Park across the street to the south. It is named after President Jean Rey and occupies a space between the Justus Lipsius building (headquarters of the Council of the European Union) and Leopold Park (next to the Espace Léopold of the European Parliament). It was inaugurated at the start of the Belgian EU Presidency on 26 June 2001.HistoryThe square was included in plans for Justus Lipsius in 1984. Its construction was delayed due to controversies about the area around the Justus Lipsius building, legal difficulties and failed schemes such as plans to demolish a large residential area. Belgian authorities created the space in 2001 as it was thought their reputation would be tarnished if they did not manage to improve the foreboding image of the European quarter.