Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk’s Sint-Martinusplein greening project, led by Mayor Wim Dries and Alderman Karel Kriekemans, added trees, benches, and rainwater systems to enhance sustainability. Plans focus on Stadsplein’s transformation.
Genk is moving toward a greening project with the completion of a new greening project on Sint-Martinusplein. The project, which included the planting of 19 trees and the establishment of a number of planting areas, is intended to improve the public space and sustainability, say the authorities.
The planting zones, designed to function like wadis, are strategically placed to manage rainwater by allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the soil. They mentioned that this natural drainage system helps reduce surface water runoff and promotes groundwater replenishment.
“Our city forest on the Grote Markt was so well received that we wanted to create the same on Sint-Martinusplein”
Karel Kriekemans (CD&V), Alderman for Public Works
How is Genk making Sint-Martinusplein greener and sustainable?
Genk added more benches in Sint-Martinusplein. They also made more space for bikes. They mentioned that now restaurants and cafes have bigger terraces. Genk wanted to make Sint-Martinusplein like the city forest at the Grote Mark. They wanted to add more nature to the city centre. They think people will like it because they like the city forest a lot.
This is a step in the direction of increasing the resilience of Genk against extreme weather, said Mayor Wim Dries. The project at Sint-Martinusplein is a showcase for how Genk is implementing the sustainability and greening of its city centre, he said.
Now, they are concentrating on Stadsplein after changes were made to Sint-Martinusplein. They are planning what the new Stadsplein will be like, but it is unknown when the construction will be completed.
