Sweco Belgium
Shaping Space for Tomorrow: Building Resilient Open Spaces
Open space is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. Sweco supports local authorities in developing future-proof spatial policies. Through a strategic and participatory approach, we demonstrate how collaboration, design, and policy can reinforce one another to safeguard open space — as we did in Dilbeek’s Land Use Planning (LUP) open space. Colleagues Patrick Roothaer, spatial planning expert and project manager for the Land Use Planning (LUP) open space Dilbeek, and Hans Tindemans, team manager Strategic Planning, share their insights and experiences.
Open Space Is Rare and Valuable
In a context where every square meter counts, protecting and strengthening open space is more essential than ever. Developing a Land Use Planning (LUP) open space is a powerful tool, but it remains complex. Hans Tindemans: “The biggest challenge is aligning the often conflicting visions and ambitions of different stakeholders. Nature organisations, farmers, residents — they all imagine a different future for that same land. Building broad support and understanding the spatial functioning of the area from the start is therefore crucial.”
Dilbeek’s Open Space Project: Ambitious and Forward-Looking
The municipality of Dilbeek accepted that challenge and launched a groundbreaking Land Use Planning (LUP) open space — one that now serves as a reference for sustainable spatial development.
Patrick Roothaer: “Despite the legal complexity — including regulations around compensation and planning losses — Dilbeek chose to move forward. And the results speak for themselves: more than 50 hectares of undeveloped residential, recreational and business zones have now been permanently converted into open-space destinations. That’s roughly 100 football fields protected from future development — a major step toward climate resilience and Europe’s ‘No Net Land Take by 2050’ objective.”
Innovating Within Strict Planning Frameworks
Patrick: “Even though the regulatory framework for a spatial implementation plan is tight, we managed to introduce innovative methods. We literally started from a blank page, building our vision on a landscape study that mapped the foundation of Dilbeek’s future open-space structure. We also introduced the concept of ‘key areas’: the most critical zones for strengthening the open-space network. This approach allowed us to work with clear, content-driven priorities.”
The team also applied a renewed process approach: local actors — including the GECORO, agricultural council, environmental council and municipal committee — were each given explicit roles and responsibilities.
Such deep collaboration builds strong local ownership — something essential for a successful planning process. Letting go of certain aspects and truly involving the community takes courage, for both the municipality and the planning team.
Hans Tindemans
To manage this complexity, Sweco relied on a clear organisational structure that combined flexibility with a wide skillset.
Patrick: “We worked with a compact core team of three people, supported by experts in ecology, water, agriculture, mobility, and landscape design. That combination — a small, well-coordinated team backed by specialists — together with the dedication of the municipal team, was key to this project’s success.”
Long-Term Impact and Inspiration for Other Municipalities
The long-term effects of Dilbeek’s Land Use Planning (LUP) open space are promising. In the highly pressured Brussels periphery, the plan will contribute to more nature and woodland, stronger stream valleys, and a robust ecological network. This will directly enhance the environmental quality and livability for residents.
Projects like the Meer Bos initiative — planting 800 new trees — and the transformation of undeveloped parcels into a green park in Groot-Bijgaarden show how the municipality is already turning the plan into reality.
Hans: “And it doesn’t stop in Dilbeek. Municipalities such as Ternat are now following suit, using our expertise and methods. Protecting open space is not only vital for ecological stability — it’s essential for the wellbeing of future generations.”
Creating Space Through Collaboration and Dialogue
Hans: “Sweco is ready to guide local authorities in shaping their spatial policies. Our strategic planners help municipalities choose the right set of planning instruments — from spatial implementation plans to regulations and development conditions. Through participatory research and design, we balance environmental impact with stakeholder interests and work toward feasible, long-term solutions.”
Sweco starts by identifying relevant actors and their interests, using tools such as stakeholder mapping and tailored participation strategies.
Patrick: “For the Dilbeek Land Use Planning (LUP) open space, we involved both local organisations — such as the agricultural and environmental councils — and local volunteers active in nature groups. At higher policy levels, we engaged provincial and Flemish administrations through informal bilateral discussions, which helped build broader support.”
Sweco: Your Partner in Spatial Planning
Patrick: “What inspires me most is contributing to the preservation and strengthening of open space in an increasingly pressured landscape. With a spatial implementation plan, you create not just rules — you shape a framework that guides developments in a positive direction.”
Hans: “The success of Dilbeek’s Land Use Planning (LUP) open space shows what strategic thinking and participatory process management can achieve. We’re proud to support other municipalities in the same way — helping build spatial quality and a better future.”
Based on an article published in Ruimte nr. 67 (2025) by the VRP (Flemish Association for Space and Planning).
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