Renovation of Forest Park: from forgotten heritage to green hotspot

After an extensive study phase and intensive works, Forest Park is shining brighter than ever. The inauguration took place in the presence of Mayor Charles Spapens, Alderman for Green Spaces and Urban Planning Alain Mugabo, Beliris Director Cédric Bossut, and our colleagues Cédric Desmarets and Johan Huybrechts.

Thanks to a thorough restoration, this historic park has once again become a green oasis for the neighbourhood. Sweco was responsible for the landscape vision, ecological approach, and the design of the water and drainage network. The architecture firm Coster & Vanden Eynde handled the restoration of the buildings.

Living heritage restored with care

Located on the slopes of the south-eastern Senne Valley between Saint-Gilles, Forest and Uccle, the park is a piece of living heritage that has grown with the city since the 19th century.

Its history includes two major milestones:

• The original landscape design was created by Victor Besme (Inspector of Roads in Brussels) and built between 1877 and 1918. It was already modified in 1890 by landscape architect Laîné, at the express request of Leopold II.
• A first restoration and redevelopment took place during the interwar period, led by landscape architect Auguste Delvaux, between 1919 and 1955. This design served as the reference for the park’s recent rejuvenation.

Water management for a changing climate

The park is now better equipped to handle extreme weather. Most paths are made of permeable materials, allowing rainwater to infiltrate. Two large infiltration zones, swales, and a renewed drainage network ensure sustainable water management. A lawn area allows rainwater to temporarily pool and gradually seep into the ground, preventing flooding. A drinking water fountain has also been installed at the foot of the park for refreshment on hot days.