Harelbeke is an elongated town built between the Ghent-Kortrijk railway line, the N43 regional road and the River Leie. The N43 road and the area around the church in the centre of the town are currently being relaid. In order to frame future developments which will radically change the visual appearance of the town as part of a broader plan, this Open Call is requesting the development of a high-quality plan for the zone between the church environs and the undeveloped land in Westwijk and between the N43 and the Leie (including both banks of the river).
In this visual-quality plan, Harelbeke is seeking a vision to give it a new identity. This is because the town's market square, with its strategic central location, currently has no visual character. The Leie (with, among other things, quays and riverbanks, lock, bridge, etc.) at present creates no added value for the town centre.
The visual-quality plan should guide the long-term transformation process in the intended area towards a coherent whole. It must lead to the creation of spatial and urban unity. It must establish a new, attractive architectural and land-use plan for the future. The plan must affirm the identity of Harelbeke, its positive use and the experience it offers, and its quality as a place for both visitors and residents to spend time.
In addition to the formulation of the visual-quality plan, a design vision with a feasibility study is also requested for the Market Square. What should literally be the heart of the town is currently an uninspiring area of asphalt used as a car park. It is bordered by large blocks of flats and an inappropriate shopping centre. This shopping centre is now being brought up for discussion, which is generating new opportunities. An underground car park is being considered. Research needs to be carried out into how the relationship with the river can be restored in any new plan for the centre. A vision is also wanted for the former Alderman's House, a protected monument. The aim is to create a pleasant and lively market square, a meeting place in the centre of town, borne along by the functions on and around the square with, if possible, space for the weekly Thursday market.
Following the submission of the visual-quality plan and the formulation of a design vision, the client may decide not to award all or part of the assignment for the implementation of the plan for the public area of the Market Square, the Vrijdomkaai and  weebruggenstraat to the design team.