Green and blue instead of just gray, the Bankbeekstraat project won the Public Space Prize. — © Greenconcepts
From gray asphalt to a green cycling oasis, the project in the Bankbeekstraat in Gullegem was much appreciated. Also with the jury of the Public Space Prize. It declared the project by architectural firm Greenconcepts the winner.
Walking boulevard Heldenplein in Londerzeel, the Groene Zeedijk in Middelkerke and the Bankbeekstraat in Gullegem. From 44 entries, these green projects were nominated for the Public Space Prize in the national projects category. Ultimately, the Wevelgem project appealed to the jury the most.
That was evident from the report. “This project distinguishes itself by its total vision on the redesign of Bankbeekstraat and the cemetery as part of the center,” says jury chairman Tom Dhollander. “Not only has new living space been created, the concept of an ‘open’ cemetery for greenery and water has also been integrated. And the traffic circulation has been thoroughly changed to improve the quality of life and functionality of the area.”
Usefulness of greening and softening
The metamorphosis of Bankbeekstraat is a project by local architectural firm Greenconcepts, for which the municipality paid 375,000 euros. The works were over in September 2022. Designer Gianni De Clercq previously stated that the price is a secondary issue for him. “It is especially commendable to see that smaller municipalities, such as Wevelgem, also recognize the usefulness of greening and softening and put this at the top of their priority list.”
Kortrijk’s neighbors also triumphed. The conversion of the Groeninge Park from parking to park won the prize in the urban projects category. The audience award went to Middelkerke.
READ ALSO. Groeningepark wins Public Space Award
Tags: Municipality wins Public Space Prize Bankbeekstraat project Wevelgem
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