 On 4 September 1944, Boulevard Anspach was the scene of great jubilation during the liberation of Brussels by the British Guards Armoured Division.In 1976, as part of the North–South line, the "premetro" took the place of the river, which was then diverted along the small ring road.Since 29 June 2015, the boulevard has been pedestrianised between the Place de la Bourse/Beursplein and De Brouckère Square as part of a broader pedestrianisation of Brussels' city centre.