Keerbergen as the green heart of the region

The Heart of Keerbergen Spatial Implementation Plan (RUP) dates back to 2013 and has long served as the backbone of spatial planning within the municipality’s core area. However, practical experience has increasingly revealed challenges, including zoning regulations that no longer reflect current realities, land-use designations that require revision, and a broader spatial vision in need of modernization.

At the same time, the Spatial Structure Plan of 2008 was due for renewal. Societal trends, evolving Flemish housing policies, and an increased focus on climate resilience called for a contemporary planning approach.

The municipality of Keerbergen commissioned Antea Group to develop two policy frameworks within a comprehensive Spatial Policy Plan, including a strategic environmental impact assessment. A strong emphasis was placed on participation and co-creation, recognizing that a successful vision must be shaped with and for the people it serves.

Antea Group developed a dual-track strategy in which two processes reinforce one another:

1. A targeted revision of the Spatial Implementation Plan (RUP)
    Based on a broadly supported vision for the Heart of Keerbergen, the most suitable procedure is identified to update and modernize the plan.

2. A future-proof Spatial Policy Plan for the entire municipality of Keerbergen
    We are developing a widely supported vision focused on strengthening village centers, enhancing quality of life, improving climate resilience, and creating a contemporary housing strategy. The plan is underpinned by data analysis, GIS studies, and a housing needs assessment.

Our evidence-based approach combines:

• In-depth GIS analyses
• A housing needs assessment
•  Design-led research, including character mapping, heritage inventories, and typological analyses
• Co-creation and participation with residents, experts, and local stakeholders

This approach translates data and insights into clear policy frameworks, including a renewed housing policy framework and an additional framework focused on quality of life and open space. The result is a vision that combines legal clarity with future-ready choices regarding housing, mobility, green space, and land use.

For this assignment, Antea Group works closely with ImportExport Architecture. Their expertise in architecture, typological analysis, and residential fabric research provides valuable support for the design research process and the spatial translation of the vision.