A spatial shift in the area around Geel railway station is the reason for an important urban transformation in the upcoming years. The departure of tile company ‘Gavra’ frees up space a stone’s throw from the current train and bus station. In addition, the area offers various options for densification and/or residential expansion. The city of Geel sees this area as one of the three important growth poles within the urban area. After all, by 2035, the city of Geel, as a fast-growing city, must provide space for approximately 5,000 new residents.
In collaboration with the various owners: the municipal services, De Lijn and NMBS, OMGEVING is working on a future plan for the spacious area. The new plan includes a new square, a bus station, a robust green structure, new park zones and new buildings with a mixed program. In time, the area must develop into a bustling new city district with special attention to sustainable mobility, climate neutrality, a diverse range of housing, green infrastructure and energy neutrality. The redevelopment follows the procedure of ‘complex projects’. In the procedure of the preparation of a master plan, a zoning plan, environmental impact reporting and environmental permits are integrated into one process.
OMGEVING is responsible for the preparation of the design plan and the process supervision.