The Belgian railway company NMBS recently secured a building permit for the renovation of Etterbeek station. The project aims to modernise the facility to accommodate higher passenger numbers and improve platform access, with a particular focus on accessibility for individuals with limited mobility—a long-standing concern for users. The works, set to begin in 2026 and anticipated to last at least three years, will allow the station to remain open to travellers. VUB Mobility Coordinator Maarten Ipers expresses enthusiasm about the plans, saying, "The pedestrian and cyclist bridge will greatly improve VUB’s accessibility."
With nine trains per hour, Etterbeek station is a key transport hub, yet the ageing building currently has only one entrance, causing congestion during peak hours. A comprehensive renovation has been overdue for years. Ipers notes, “Both the VUB and ULB have been pushing for this renovation. The growth of VUB, and the corresponding rise in passenger numbers, has outstripped the current station's capacity. According to our latest VUB mobility survey, roughly half of the university’s staff and students commute to campus by train. NMBS counts show an average of 6,658 users at the station each weekday. The existing station lacks sufficient shelter, and accessibility for those with limited mobility is inadequate. Travellers with luggage or bicycles also find it less than user-friendly.”
The design of the new Etterbeek station, with the pedestrian bridge for the VUB in the background. © Multiple SEA SECA Studio Roma
A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge?
“Both the VUB and ULB were consulted in NMBS's planning. Following these discussions, there will be a second access route to all platforms via a bridge connecting Pleinlaan with Kroonlaan. This bridge will also offer improved and safer access to the Klein Zwitserland neighbourhood in Ixelles. Six metres wide, it will feature stairs and a lift at each platform, making it accessible to pedestrians and cyclists alike. The bridge entrance will be positioned between buildings at Pleinlaan 5 and 9, maximising campus accessibility. This new access route will ease foot traffic flow, likely resulting in a redesign of the campus pathway. With two entrances, the station's capacity will be significantly increased.”
"The new main building will contain the counters, a waiting area, a bicycle shed and a shop"
Will the station building gain new amenities?
“Yes, the surroundings will also be updated. The original station building beside Platform 4 will be fully restored and will house a bistro, a play area, and, at the rear, a small urban forest and meeting space. The current passenger building on Generaal Jacqueslaan will be demolished and replaced by a new main building with a partially open metal roof. This new structure will contain ticket counters, a waiting room, a bicycle park, and a shop. The remaining space will be allocated for additional activities, such as food trucks. The historical roof structures above the staircases will be preserved, and platform canopies will provide more shelter while waiting.”
In a new VUB mobility survey, staff and students are invited to participate to provide further insights, which will support future discussions with authorities and transport operators. Take part in the survey to help make VUB even more accessible.
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