New Public Swimming Zone for Bruges
Masterplan Sint-Pietersplas
The city of Bruges and Sweco have refined a master plan for the recreational area with a swimming zone around the Sint-Pietersplas. This area covers 67 hectares and is located on the outskirts of Bruges, between the city and the polder landscape.
The master plan aims to make this place a tourist and recreational attraction, important for both the neighborhood and the city and region. It is important to find a good balance between sports, recreation, and nature, so that the area and its surroundings do not become overloaded.
- Client
- City of Bruges
- Location
- Sint-Pietersplas, Bruges
- Expertise
- Landscape architecture and urban planning
- Partner
- Corridor
Master Plan Considers All Stakeholders and Usage Goals
The master plan was developed by an interdisciplinary team consisting of Sweco and Corridor. Sweco brought its expertise in landscape architecture and urban planning, while Corridor focused on ecological advice.
The comprehensive master plan consists of three main components:
- Analysis and Principles: We read and analyze the site. We assess the current facilities, note the heritage, test accessibility and experience, and observe the landscape and natural value. The spatial demands, detected through conversations and consultation moments with actors and stakeholders, are thoroughly considered here.
- Design Research and Master Plan: We study multiple development scenarios to find a suitable place for each spatial demand. The preferred scenario provides guidelines for the visual quality and identity of the Sint-Pietersplas. Sweco seeks a balance between individual and group recreation, sports, nature, and landscape.
- Action Plan: We propose concrete actions that contribute to the qualitative realization and elaboration of the master plan for the Sint-Pietersplas.
Sustainable, Multifunctional Redevelopment
On the south side of the lake, there will be a new beach and swimming zone with supervision. This zone will consist of 1,000 m² of green shore and 4,000 m² of sunbathing area. This concept is significantly cheaper than a larger swimming zone with more boundaries or a larger sandy beach. The goal is to create a cozy meeting place for the local population.
At the corner with Sint-Pietersmolenstraat, a new entrance pavilion will mark the access to the Sint-Pietersplas and the swimming zone. This landmark is located on the walking route between the parking lot and the swimming zone. In addition to facilities such as showers, toilets, changing rooms, and lockers, there will also be multifunctional spaces for meetings or dance and yoga classes.
Attention to Nature and Biodiversity
The existing sand martin wall will be moved to the north side of the lake to prevent disturbance. The walking route at that location will be moved northward to above the existing orchard. The meadows here consist of valuable permanent grasslands. Some sections along the dike are accessible year-round and remain suitable for small-scale activities, while the most vulnerable parts are only accessible outside the breeding season.
Space for Sports and Mobility
There will also be a new sports area between the Blankenbergse Dijk and the Blankenbergse Steenweg with a bike park, additional sports infrastructure, and a multifunctional sports building. This building will contain indoor sports fields, modern changing rooms, and a cafeteria.
Additionally, there is space for a campsite with a green character and a motorhome area. The parking lot on the Blankenbergse Dijk will make way for a landscaped bicycle path. For the recreational functions around the Sint-Pietersplas, there will be a permanent parking lot with 150 spaces and an overflow parking lot with 150 spaces for peak moments.
