Brussels (Belgium): a whole port community working together for a collective image

In the Port of Brussels, the urban transformation of the canal area coexists with port activities, fostering close links between the city centre and inland navigation. In 1996, the Port of Brussels signed a “Development Charter”. A development charter typically refers to a document that outlines the objectives, scope, and guiding principles for a specific development project or initiative. It serves as a roadmap for stakeholders involved in the development process, providing clarity on goals and strategies to achieve them. The development charter helps ensure alignment and accountability among team members and stakeholders throughout the development process. Under the charter, the parties undertake to modernise their installations in keeping with the urban environment, paying special attention to the vicinity (signage, green areas, access, fencing, maintenance, etc.) and the architecture itself (recommendations on colours, materials, dimensions, etc.). This global approach ensures visual continuity and harmony between the various port infrastructures while making the port a more visitor-friendly environment and asserting its presence.