BRYC - a new vision for the Brussels Royal Yacht Club

Today, the BRYC is facing a changing metropolis. The northwestern part of the Region and the canal zone area are subject to numerous development projects in view of the increase in population for young people in particular. First of all, there is the development of the regional Canal, the development of the Canal regional cycle route, integrated into the European REVER network. This strategic route has the ambition to be a safe, high-quality and uninterrupted route. Brussels-Mobility wishes to complete the missing links. The passage on the site of the Royal Donation is one of them.

Then there is the development of ZIR 4, which will soon house schools and housing, in the direct vicinity of the BRYC site. Finally, in the longer term, we can mention the implementation of the Schaerbeek Formation master plan, the perimeter of which will include an equipment zone, a residential zone and a logistics zone. In addition, the requalification of the numerous road and public transport infrastructures will make it possible to create a large park for the district overlooking the canal.

Consequently, the creation of a public recreational center for current and future residents in this area is becoming a necessity. In this context, the BRYC needs to adapt while perpetuating its function in Brussels, namely, to promote cultural activities related to water sports. 

The location of the marina on the edge of the canal raises questions of cohabitation between users. This is one of the first issues to be solved for the BRYC. One solution would be to move the dry harbor to the current ABP parcel, in the event that the ABP moves to another site. This would allow the BRYC to move to a secure site with access to the waterway. At the same time, the docks of the Royal Donation would be freed up to accommodate a new public recreational space, supporting new nautical activities. It would also include the passage of the ICR and would allow the marina and the Clubhouse, which has been maintained, to be upgraded. This new public space along the canal, could respond to the increase in the young population in the Region.