Brussels shopkeepers decry year of decline: 'The neighborhood has changed'

Shopkeepers in Brussels's Rue du Bailli and surrounding Châtelain area express frustration over a year of perceived decline. They report a noticeable increase in dirt, insecurity, and access problems, lamenting that the neighborhood has changed for the worse.

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The neighborhood has changed in a year.

Merchants like Priscilla from Chérie-Chérie, Christophe from Chouke, and Amélie from ADN Concept Store say they speak for many in the area. They highlight a rise in shoplifting, pickpocketing, and assaults. The streets are also dirtier, with overflowing bins and litter becoming common sights. "We are confronted with more shoplifting, pickpocketing, and assaults. There is also a growing problem of unsanitary conditions. The bins overflow and waste often ends up on the sidewalks," Priscilla stated.

Concerns extend to graffiti on building facades and a more visible presence of people in precarious situations. "We have empathy for these individuals, but it creates tensions in public spaces and affects commercial activity when groups gather," Christophe explained. While acknowledging that recent public works by the Stib (Brussels public transport company) have fostered better communication among local businesses, they feel these connections have not translated into improvements.

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We are confronted with more shoplifting, pickpocketing, and assaults. There is also a growing problem of unsanitary conditions. The bins overflow and waste often ends up on the sidewalks.

Despite participating in municipal consultations in 2025, where priorities like cleanliness, safety, mobility, parking, and accessibility were identified, the shopkeepers feel no concrete actions have followed. "We participated in workshops, we made proposals and identified problems. But since then, there have been no working sessions, no proposals, and no follow-up," Christophe regretted. Amélie added, "Many customers ask us what has changed after a year of work. Honestly, apart from replacing the rails and some traffic adjustments, we are struggling to see the improvements."

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We have empathy for these individuals, but it creates tensions in public spaces and affects commercial activity when groups gather.

The persistent issue of parking also troubles the merchants. They believe the gradual reduction of parking spaces makes it difficult for some customers to access the area. "We are not asking for the impossible," Christophe said. "But even the signage for existing parking lots is insufficient. In many cities, drivers are guided to available parking. Here, nothing is planned." The merchants note that successive construction projects, combined with rising costs and post-Covid changes in consumer habits, have compounded their difficulties.

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We participated in workshops, we made proposals and identified problems. But since then, there have been no working sessions, no proposals, and no follow-up.