Located northwest of the Gare du Nord, the World Trade Centre comprises three high-rise office towers. Work began in 1968 and involved large-scale demolition of older buildings and relocation of residents. Eight building complexes have been planned, all over 30 storeys high. It is part of an area of skyscrapers dubbed by some the Manhattan district of Brussels, plans for which were approved by a decree of 17 February 1967. Urban preservationists have decried the development in characterizing it as a classic example of brusselization.
See also Vanden Boeynants, Paul.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.