Masterplan Hof van Egmont Mechelen
For the Hof van Egmont site, Sweco developed a masterplan on behalf of the City of Mechelen that maps out the development potential and the desired programme. The masterplan establishes a clear and context-sensitive spatial framework for this strategic location in the historic city centre. It provides a future-oriented foundation that guides further development without fixing the site to a single predefined end state.
- Client
- City of Mechelen
- Location
- Mechelen
- Expertise
- Masterplan, feasibility study
Spatial framework for a strategic inner-city site
Commissioned by the City of Mechelen, Sweco developed a masterplan for the Hof van Egmont site to gain insight into its development potential and desired programme. As the landowner, the city sought to define a clear spatial framework that could serve as the basis for a future-oriented development strategy. The project demonstrates how design-led research can be used to provide direction without committing to a single fixed end state.
Integration within the historic city centre of Mechelen
The site’s location in the historic city centre, combined with the presence of valuable heritage and its relationship with the city ramparts, called for a highly context-sensitive approach. Through an in-depth reading of the spatial and historical structures, a structural sketch was developed that focuses on appropriate urbanity, scale and grain, while reinforcing and enhancing the qualities of the historic centre. This spatial framework forms the basis for all future developments on the site.
Design-led research through multiple development scenarios
Within the boundaries of the spatial framework, two development scenarios were explored: a ‘Broad school’ scenario with partial retention of the existing building, and an ‘Invisible care’ scenario involving a complete redevelopment into care housing. These reference designs are not binding, but help to clarify the urban design principles and spatial ambitions. They served as the guiding framework for a successful public market consultation and mark the first step towards a new future for Hof van Egmont.
