A Green Make-Over for the Neighborhood
The Bethaniënpolder neighborhood, located between the Dijle river and Battelsesteenweg, will soon receive a sustainable and green upgrade! Thanks to the valuable input of local residents – young and old – the neighborhood’s squares will be redesigned. The goal? More greenery, a future-proof living environment and a place where everyone feels at home.
@city of Mechelen
Neighborhood Participation is Central
This project is part of a long-term vision for the neighborhood, centered on the ideas of local residents. Kristof Calvo, alderman for nature and green development, youth and participation, stressed the importance of this collaboration:
“The local residents came up with an awful lot of creative ideas. We combined them into a plan in which each square is given a specific function. In this way, Bethaniënpolder becomes a green, livable neighborhood where everyone can relax and enjoy nature.”
The redesign offers not only more nature, but also additional play and meeting spaces. A neighborhood where people and nature go hand in hand!
Sustainable and Climate Resilient
An important aspect of the redevelopment is the focus on biodiversity and water management. Older trees will receive extra protection, while new green zones and wadis (shallow water collection areas) will be created to better drain rainwater. This contributes to a climate-resilient neighborhood.
@CityMechelen
Patrick Princen, alderman for public works and biodiversity, explains:
“We allow rainwater to run off the streets into wadis and green areas. This is not only good for the environment, but it also helps protect the neighborhood from flooding for the future.”
In addition, parking spaces will be retained but more cleverly laid out with permeable paving. Walkways will also get a makeover with semi-paving, making them accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
@City of Mechelen
The First Three Plazas get a Transformation
Based on neighborhood residents’ preferences, the first three squares will be redesigned as follows:
1. Meeting Square (Theo Blickxstraat).
- The beating heart of the neighborhood.
- Shaded, paved area for gatherings.
- Grassy areas with benches and playful elements.
- Shallow wadis for water collection.
2. Play hill (Gustave van de Woestijnestraat)
- Adventure play area for children.
- Exercise zone for young and old.
3. Community garden (Prosper de Troyerstraat)
- Quiet green space with fruit trees.
- Walking trails and wheelchair-accessible picnic benches.
- Ideal place to enjoy nature.
When will the works start?
Works to redesign these squares will begin in October 2025 and will take several months to complete. Thanks to the input of local residents, the designs are completely tailored to the needs of the neighborhood.
Would you like to stay informed about this future-proof project? Then take a look at the website of the city of Mechelen: mechelen.be/stadvernieuwing/bethanienpolder.