Sweco to green the country’s largest market square

The design team Artgineering, LAMA, Sweco and Daniel Ost (ALS_O) has won the study assignment for the redevelopment of the Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas. We are extremely proud to give the largest market square in Belgium a green transformation. Sweco is responsible for the further development of the design, the preparation of the execution dossier and the follow-up of the project. Sweco previously also shaped the Stationsstraat, the renewed green shopping promenade in Sint-Niklaas.

Structural and sustainable solutions for the Sint-Niklaas market square

The ALS_O team is looking for structural and sustainable solutions for the Sint-Niklaas market square. The concept ‘The Green Market’ is based on an integrated long-term perspective where climate adaptation, sustainable mobility, economy and social interaction form the foundation. It seeks solutions to strengthen the connection between an intensively used urban space and the urban and social fabric of the city. The heart of Sint-Niklaas becomes the central element in a network of green spaces that together make the city more liveable, both today and in the future.

Multifunctional and climate-adaptive redevelopment

Substantial greening is crucial so that the four hectares of urban space can function not only as a square but also as a park and garden, without compromising its intensive use as a stage for the weekly Thursday market, the Vredesfeesten and other events. A green edge with a variety of trees creates an intense interaction between activities along the edges and the central open field. To create more pleasant areas to stay along the square edge, planting beds with flower gardens and seating areas are provided. Even in the central part, grass areas are introduced. The central open space remains the stage of the inner city. Between the many events, it becomes a place where people can gather, play football, barbecue or enjoy a picnic. Between the tree-lined edge and the north-eastern part of the central square, water features enhance the experience of the space, particularly for children. They also serve as peak water storage, cooling and water filtration, acting as a climate regulator for the inner city.

More space for people and sustainable mobility

In the mobility and neighbourhood circulation plan, the city administration sets the objective of reducing through traffic in the city centre. Traffic will be limited by focusing mainly on destination traffic. This creates more space for cyclists and pedestrians and allows shopkeepers to activate the edges of the square. As a result, the Grote Markt is once again integrated into the urban fabric as a place for meeting and staying. In the south-eastern corner of the square, near Parklaan, the grass area slopes down to the floor level of the underground parking. This is the first step in transforming the underground parking into a more sustainable use with an accessible underground bicycle parking facility. The parking area will be partially opened up to allow natural daylight to enter, creating opportunities for new functions such as a coffee bar or bicycle repair point combined with a covered bicycle parking.

Illustrations: © Artgineering-Lama-Sweco (ALS_O)