Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk is building 28 social homes near Sportlaan and Tennislaan, with a new road named Gouden Regenstraat to honour local sports history. Alderman Anniek Nagels says it celebrates Winterslag’s past, while Mustafa Harraq highlights the need for affordable housing for 489 families. The project includes green spaces and a play area.
A new housing area with 28 social homes is being built at the corner of Sportlaan and Tennislaan in Genk. A new road will be named Gouden Regenstraat for this project. This name honours the sport’s history of Winterslag, known for its local traditions.
The name comes from “De Gouden Regen,” a former football club in the area. The club was named after a café where players and fans would meet. Authorities mentioned that by choosing this name, the city keeps the tradition of using sports names for streets in the neighbourhood.
How will Gouden Regenstraat honour Winterslag’s sports legacy?
Gouden Regenstraat will connect to other streets like Sportlaan, Tennislaan, and Voetbalhof. This creates a theme that honours the sport’s history of Winterslag. Anniek Nagels, who is in charge of Spatial Planning, says the name reminds people of a time when local sports were very important.
Many residents remember the lively atmosphere around De Gouden Regen. Authorities mentioned that because of this, the name is a good way to pay tribute to that time. Before the name is officially chosen, there will be a public inquiry. This will give local people a chance to share their opinions. Once this process is done, Gouden Regenstraat will be officially named.
Together with Tennislaan, Sportlaan and Voetbalhof, it forms a beautiful whole,
emphasises alderman for Spatial Planning Anniek Nagels (CD&V).
For many, the name evokes warm memories of a beautiful, sporting time.
The need for social housing in Genk is very high. Currently, 489 families and individuals are registered with Wonen in Limburg, which manages social housing in the area. To help meet this need, a new project is being developed. This project will have 28 social housing units.
According to Mustafa Harraq, the alderman for housing, this project responds directly to the demand for affordable homes. It aims to provide accessible housing for those who need it. This initiative is part of a larger plan to ensure more people have stable living conditions. He mentioned that it shows the city’s commitment to social inclusion and housing equality for everyone.
The great interest emphasizes how important it is to make ownership accessible to everyone,
says Danielle Starren of Wonen in Limburg.
We believe that an affordable home is not only an investment in a new home but also in a better future.
Danielle Starren mentioned that the high need for social housing shows how important it is to make homeownership available to everyone. She believes that an affordable home is not just a new place to live but also a key investment in a better future.
According to Danielle Starren, the new project will have 28 homes grouped in clusters of four and six. There will also be a shared green space of 25 areas for residents to enjoy together. For families with children, a 10-acre play area will be included in the neighbourhood. He mentioned that the combination of homes, green areas, and play spaces aims to build a sustainable and pleasant community for future residents.
