New water projects make Izegem climate resilient

Izegem is investing heavily in clean water and a climate‑resilient city. With the redevelopment of the Demuynckswalbeek and a new buffer basin in Kachtem, the city is taking a major step toward healthier waterways, reduced flooding and more green-space experiences. In cooperation with the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), the City of Izegem and Fluvius, Sweco designs and coordinates the integrated approach: from water management and sewerage to mobility and public‑space design.

Sweco as integrator and designer

We provide the overall design—both technical and landscape—as well as complete project and stakeholder management with the City of Izegem, Fluvius, the Provincial Watercourse Authority of West Flanders and the VMM. By designing water, mobility, ecology and infrastructure as one coherent system, we create a robust and future‑proof project. We also bring the vision from the municipal RUP for Kachtem to life: we deliver the slow‑traffic connection and combine it with maximum water buffering. What initially seemed impossible due to limited space, we solved by designing an elegant, floating pedestrian and bicycle path above the water.

Our role includes:

• integrated water management and sewer design
• landscape design
• public‑space layout
• technical and administrative coordination between all involved parties
• monitoring technical, ecological and legal requirements
• guidance during phasing and execution

Towards a recreational green zone

The area around the buffer basin will be much more than a functional space. The city is adding a new cycling connection and opting for a design that integrates nature, recreation and soft mobility. This fits perfectly within the RUP Green and Recreation Kachtem, which focuses on natural structures, green stepping stones and attractive public space. A wooden boardwalk across the basin completes the experience: residents literally get closer to the water—a theme of growing importance in modern water management.