Parking Policy
Beyond the parking reflex: Gavere shows the power of integrated design
For many local authorities, it sounds familiar: residents ask for more greenery and a more pleasant public space, while retailers fear that fewer parking spaces will drive customers away. The redesign of Gavere’s Market Square proves that this does not have to be a contradiction. Quite the opposite. Thanks to a well-considered mobility and parking vision, Sweco transformed a paved parking square into a lively meeting place, without sacrificing access to the town centre.
- Expertise:
- Transport & Mobility, Liveable cities
- Client
- Municipality of Gavere
- Location
- Gavere
- Services
- Parking policy, water management, energy efficiency, participation and co-creation, stakeholder management
The plan combines creativity and courage with attention to water management, energy efficiency and parking policy. As a result, the Market Square has now been redesigned as a place where everyone feels at home: a space that is truly ‘shared’.
Kristof Van Impe, Specialist Landscape & Public Space at Sweco
Mobility study as a lever
How many parking spaces does Gavere really need? To provide a well-founded answer, Sweco first carried out an extensive parking study for the entire village centre. The existing parking policy was analysed and supplemented with parking counts that gave a clear picture of the actual use of the available spaces.
These insights formed the basis for an integrated parking policy tailored to Gavere. The focus was not on the number of parking spaces, but on how they were used. This gave the municipal authority the confidence and public support needed to look beyond the classic reflex of keeping as many cars as possible on the market square.
An attractive new square
Our analysis revealed a striking opportunity: a large part of the parking function could be organised differently. As a result, around one hundred parking spaces could be removed from the Market Square itself. The space that became available was turned into a high-quality public space with room for greenery, a water feature, terraces and places to meet.
The Market Square underwent a fundamental transformation: from a square dominated by cars to a place where people once again take centre stage. The public space gained more breathing room, more possibilities for use and greater appeal.
Smart parking policy safeguards accessibility
One of the biggest concerns in projects like this is the impact on retailers and visitors. In Gavere, that concern was translated into a smart parking policy. A blue zone was introduced in the centre, complemented by shop-and-go spaces on the Market Square, resident permits and well-located loading and unloading zones. Visitors who want to park for longer are guided to other locations through parking guidance.
The result? A high turnover of parking spaces on the Market Square itself, enabling customers to find a free space more quickly. Long-stay parkers disappear from the centre and the available space is used more efficiently. In practice, the fear that fewer parking spaces automatically mean reduced accessibility proved unfounded.
Multifunctional market square for maximum flexibility
In addition to quality of stay, flexibility also played an important role in the design. A limited part of the Market Square was made car-free to create a safe environment for staying and playing. At the same time, the necessary accessibility was maintained thanks to a system of retractable bollards.
Local retailers can continue to load and unload whenever needed. The weekly market, the annual fair and other events can also take place without difficulty. The square adapts to what is needed, not the other way around. This created a public space that combines far more functions than the former car park ever could.
Parking versus staying? A false dilemma
Perhaps the most important lesson from Gavere is that parking and quality of stay do not have to be opposites. Initially, some retailers were concerned that fewer parking spaces would deter customers. Today, the opposite has proven true: thanks to the new parking policy, turnover is higher and visitors find a space near the shops more quickly.
The Market Square now combines short-stay parking with high-quality public space. It has not become a choice between cars or people, but a balance between the two.
Support by connecting interests
A project like this only succeeds when different interests come together in one shared vision. Throughout the process, Sweco actively involved residents, retailers, market vendors and event organisers through various information sessions. Their comments and concerns were incorporated into our design and parking policy.
The challenge was considerable. Some stakeholders wanted to retain as much parking as possible, while others dreamed of a greener and more pleasant Market Square. By not placing these different expectations in opposition, but by connecting them, a solution emerged that works for all users.
Integrated design gives the municipality a beating heart
The redesign of Gavere’s Market Square shows that the discussion about public space should not revolve around the number of parking spaces, but around the quality of the space as a whole. By considering mobility, parking and design as one integrated challenge from the outset, a future-proof town square emerged that is accessible, lively and attractive.
For local authorities facing the same challenge, Gavere offers a clear message: those who dare to look beyond the parking space often discover the room needed to create a true village heart.
Photos: © Eva Vermeylen | Stefan Dewickere