Enjoying the Leie: recreational infrastructure for experience points
Along the Leie, from Deinze to Wervik, experience zones are being created to (re)discover the river and the region. This initiative is part of the upgrading of the Leie axis, a project by De Vlaamse Waterweg nv for Seine Schelde Vlaanderen. Sweco leads the study and co-creative process for the development of an experiential concept and a visual identity for recreational infrastructure. We design seven experience points, under the name ‘roothoeken’, in a network of thirteen experience zones.
© Sweco
Along the waterfront, it is wonderful to stay, with numerous activities and sights. The waterway takes you along vast nature reserves, recreational parks, and charming towns and villages full of history. The paved towpaths and promenades are ideal for anyone who wants to move or relax. Whether you walk, cycle, roller skate, or fish, you can enjoy the fresh wind along the water.
Overview map ‘roothoeken’
Boost for leisure experience
The Leie region in particular is very lively and has many tourist and recreational assets. The Leie, as a central blue-green axis, gives the region its name, history, and identity. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv wants to further develop and strengthen the tourist and recreational potential of the Leie through its experience zones and targeted initiatives. They are part of the Seine Scheldt project and will be integrated into the adjustments to the waterway. The locations will be realized in phases between 2024 and 2030.
Process guidance bears fruit
Sweco is conducting an extensive study for this, from context analysis to the technical realization of preliminary designs. This is an inspiring and challenging co-creative process, in which we collaborate with seven local authorities and various umbrella partners: Westtoer, Intercommunale Leiedal, WVI, Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen, and Veneco. This collaboration is progressing well and has so far only yielded positive responses.
Nature restoration and recreation go hand in hand
This project is a wonderful example of how small changes can make a big difference in the landscape and the community. It emphasizes geographical dispersion and landscape perspective. The ‘roothoeken’ are each individual small interventions, but together and in combination with the calibration works on the Leie axis and the new artworks, they form the new face of the Leie.
