In a style completely different from the Pannenhuis metro station, Sainctelette deserves just as much of our attention. If you’re a frequent rider on metro lines 2 or 6 in Brussels, you may have already noticed the display panels on the platforms. Have you noticed that strange arrow pointing to the right? It’s hidden between the illuminated dots indicating the Yser and Ribaucourt stops. What if we told you that this is Sainctelette, the one and only ghost metro station on the STIB network?
A Brief History of Brussels’ Ghost Metro Station
Built between 1980 and 1986, the Sainctelette metro station is one of Brussels’ hidden treasures, tucked away directly beneath the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. It’s the only ghost metro station on the Brussels network (well, some might also mention Bruxelles-Chapelle and Bruxelles-Congrès…). Intended to operate on Line 2 between the Yser and Ribaucourt stops, Sainctelette was ultimately never put into service. Despite being nearly complete, the STIB deemed it uncompetitive because it was located less than half a kilometer from its neighboring stations.
In 2009, a study commissioned by the Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region explored the possibility of its rehabilitation. The impetus for this consideration was the growing activity at Tour & Taxis—which is, in fact, closer to this station than to either Yser or Ribaucourt. But the verdict is final: there is no future in store for Sainctelette and its ghost metro station. What about the initial decision and the rationale for spending money to build this station in the first place?
Keep an eye out between Yser and Ribaucourt
For the most curious among you, keep your eyes peeled once you’ve passed Yser (or Ribaucourt, depending on which direction you’re heading)! From the windows of the subway car, you’ll be able to see the unfinished platforms and the station’s staircases. Sometimes the lights come on, and you can see them even more clearly! This lighting gives the place an even more ghostly aura.
Want to hop on at Sainctelette? You’ll have to make do with the tram or buses above ground! While in Paris, for example, ghost stations are being converted into restaurants, bars, and cultural venues, can we hope for such a bright future for Sainctelette? Nothing is less certain…
