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Nature park Alsembergse Beemd
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A climate-proof society

Nature park Alsembergse Beemd

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Gert Stappaerts
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A resilient landscape for people and nature

The village centres of Alsemberg and Sint-Genesius-Rode have been regularly flooded in recent years due to climate warming and high levels of asphalting. These village centres are located along the Molenbeek valley, with its source zone in the Sonian Forest and its estuary in the Zenne. Antea Group took on the challenge of drawing up a development plan to reduce the risk of both flooding and water scarcity.

A resilient landscape for people and nature
A resilient landscape for people and nature
A resilient landscape for people and nature

The assignment

At the request of the Flemish government, we worked out a land-use plan to stop the increasing risk of flooding in the Molenbeek valley. But sustainable water management was not the only concern. For instance, we had to think about how to improve accessibility for cyclists and walkers and increase the area's tourism assets. In other words, an integrated design of the various subareas with attention to the water system, agriculture, ecology, landscape, history and soft recreation such as walking and cycling. It was clear from the beginning that the project goals were ambitious and that solutions needed to be well-founded throughout the process because of the complexity and budget implications.

The solution

We based the new development plan on a thorough cost-benefit analysis of different variants in terms of buffer capacity, space for fish migration, etc. From the very first design phase, we visualised different variants and worked together with specific target groups, such as young people. Our goal? To create a tailor-made plan and further refine it to the desired result.
 
We opted for natural solutions, or nature-based solutions, as far as possible, which ensure greater ecological cohesion and biodiversity in the highly urbanised environment. Thanks to the new connection between the Leuzebeek and the Molenbeek, the fish population and other fauna can flourish. The former Volvo car park was excavated, resulting in a new, natural water storage adapted to climate adaptation needs.
 
With the new walking and cycling connection in the edge of the valley, we made the brook valley even more perceptible and brought it closer to the residents. The Gemeenveld site also underwent a real transformation with the construction of a new school and softening of the car park. The new park zone provides enough space for residents to meet and for challenging play areas for young people.

Realisation

Timeline slide

Buffer basins

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Green-blue networks

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Walking infrastructure

Partners and collaborators

  • Clients: VLM, Municipality of Beersel and Province of Flemish Brabant
  • The project is part of the land development project 'Land of Teirlinck' and receives European support through LIFE BELINI

SDG's

With this project, we support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 6 - Schoon Water & SanitairSDG 11 - Duurzame steden en gemeenschappenSDG 13 - KlimaatactieSDG 15 - Leven op het landSDG 17 - Partnerschappen

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Gert Stappaerts
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