Kortrijk won prizes with its Groeninge Park. — © if
On Wednesday, April 24, the laureates of the Public Space Prize were announced in the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp. Kortrijk won prizes in the urban projects category with the Groeninge Park, which transformed last year from a gray parking lot to a green oasis in the city.
The prize recognizes the best achievements in public space. Kortrijk wins the Public Space Prize for the second time in five years. In 2019, the city won the top prize with the reduced Leie banks.
Kortrijk won with the conversion of a large asphalted parking lot in Groeningelaan into a green neighborhood park. The Groeningepark in Kortrijk stands out because of its parking restrictions and the creation of a green space for all ages. “The symbiosis between different generations, with the proximity of both a school and a residential care center, makes this park a valuable addition to the city. With various functions and attention to inclusivity, this project is a great example of how green spaces can form the heart of a community,” said jury chairman Tom Dhollander. “The redesign places the pedestrian at the center, where previously the car dominated. This contributes to a safe and pleasant living environment.” (read more below the photo)
The Groeninge Park: from parking to park. — © vkk
The works in the Groeninge Park were carried out by contractor Growebo to a design by Bureau Cnockaert & landscape architect Katinka ‘t Kindt from Kortrijk.
The Public Space Prize was awarded for the seventeenth time. In addition to the urban projects category, there is the rural projects category. In this last category, the top prize went to the Bankbeekstraat in Wevelgem.
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