Masterplan for the city of Liège: increased water resilience and flood management

Can a master plan remodel water resilience and flood management, while meeting the needs of the city’s residents? Sweco proudly presents the master plan for the open space around the Ourthe canal in  Liège, an endeavor that aims to do just that. Through innovative solutions and close collaboration with various stakeholders, this project promises to have a lasting impact on the community and the environment.

Project goal

The primary goal of this project is to enhance water resilience and address flood risk management in the region, particularly at the confluence of the Ourthe and Vesdre rivers. Our team has conducted extensive studies and developed two scenarios based on different flood management approaches. By testing resilient development principles and ensuring the safety of people and property, we aim to expand flood-prone areas while effectively managing the risks associated with flooding.

Project solution and innovation

To address the challenges of climate change, our team has implemented innovative solutions in this project. Through a comprehensive hydrological diagnosis, we have identified weak points, risk areas, and potential water refuge and water expansion areas. Our approach includes a combination of :

• natural solutions, such as temporary immersion areas and demineralization,
• as well as hydraulic measures like temporary waterproofed sealing mechanisms and flood adapted pumping stations, connecting temporary immersion zones.

These solutions provide a holistic approach to climate change adaptation.

To meet the current and future needs of the community, the master plan proposes an intensification and densification of programming around the local train stops of Angleur and Chênée, creating new centralities and active mobility hubs. The site is connected by a cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, activated by programs and an educational path focusing on water, ecology, and industrial heritage themes. These infrastructure improvements also serve as emergency routes and access to refuge areas during floods located at the train tracks level.

Project challenge

The implementation of this master plan has not been without its challenges. The study site, located at the confluence of the Vesdre and Ourthe rivers, was heavily damaged, and the adjacent Angleur neighborhood experienced severe flooding. Prior to developing the master plan, our team focused on providing sustainable and tangible technical solutions to protect the neighborhoods and give back water’s rightful place in the valley.

Project collaboration

Within an 8-month contract, Sweco worked closely with the City of Liege and Idea Consult, engaging with strategic actors involved in the transition dynamics of  this industrial, innovative and productive  neighborhood. Additionally, collaboration with internal experts in hydrology, landscape, and ecology, and consultation with external stakeholders, has played a crucial role in this project’s success.

Project outcome

By addressing upcoming challenges related to climate change and crisis management, this operational master plan highlights our commitment to ecosystemic and sustainable thinking. Through close collaboration with our client, partners, and stakeholders, we have raised awareness and mediated towards a shared vision to become more resilient.