Northern Quarter (Brussels)

Geschiedenis

The Northern Quarter is the central business district of Brussels, Belgium. Like La Défense in Paris, the Docklands in London or the Zuidas in Amsterdam, the Northern Quarter consists of a concentrated collection of high-rise buildings.The Northern Quarter roughly covers the area between Willebroek Quay, railways along the Brussels-North railway station and the north side of the small ring. The territory is thus split between the municipalities of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Schaerbeek and the City of Brussels.The area is characterized by high-rise buildings, most around 100 m tall. Over half of the 20 tallest buildings in Belgium are located in the Northern Quarter. The area has around 1,200,000 m² of office space occupied by 40,000 workers. It has an additional 8000 residents.HistoryThe creation of the business district was controversial. The demolition of a built-up and occupied residential area around Brussels-North railway station was not universally appreciated. Over 15,000 residents were forced out. Shortly after the first rows of residences were demolished, an economic crisis struck, leaving a gaping hole of open space in the city. The area has since filled up with skyscrapers.