EREMBODEGEM - Master-plan Erembodegem

Erembodegem is a sub-district of Aalst, on the River Dender between Aalst and Denderleeuw. 10 July 2003 (B.S. 2 September 2003) saw the approval of the regional Spatial Implementation Plan under the title ‘Demarcation of Aalst Regional Urban Area’. This laid down that Erembodegem was to be largely incorporated into the demarcation of the urban area. The spatial structure of Erembodegem is dominated by a number of linear infrastructures that traverse the village: the Aalst-Denderleeuw railway line, the E40 motorway from Ghent to Brussels, the River Dender, and two main roads, Gerardsbergsesteenweg and Brusselbaan. Erembodegem became heavily urbanised partly as a result of an intense wave of industrialisation as from 1850.

Fixed part : Aalst town council wants to focus on an overall plan for the future of Erembodegem. It is intended to lead to an upgrading of the village and the creation of a good-quality residential environment. By means of this new plan, Aalst town council wants to stimulate the living conditions in Erembodegem and thereby enhance its identity. This plan should provide a framework for future spatial initiatives. Transport is one of the main points of focus. In addition, the local authority aims to develop the green and recreational character of the Dender Valley and concentrate the greatest attention on the economy and housing.

The aim of the assignment is to develop a strategy for the part of Erembodegem within the urban area, without harming its livability, but while preserving its character as a sub-district. This is possible by contrasting the duality of the urban character of the centre with the rural nature of the outskirts. The following elements at the very least should be incorporated into this strategy: spotlighting the identity of Erembodegem; creating attractive and accessible green zones for every target group; safeguarding accessibility and livability for the inhabitants, where the transport plan provides the guidelines, although at the same time it can be further refined on the basis of insights presented in the master-plan; offering more space for meeting people by means of a well-considered design of the public space and suitable infrastructure for social life; the development of a recreational green zone in the transitional area between Aalst and Erembodegem (cycling, sport, waterfront recreation, green lung, green cycle intersections, etc.); and the retention and enhancement of entrepreneurship, both in the centre by means of good-quality and varied retailing and on the regional business parks. A redevelopment of a few specific sites can be made more concrete and serve as a driving force for the upgrading of Erembodegem.

The design team will be involved in the communication (with participation) that occurs before the plan takes shape.

Conditional part: The principal can also award the possibly obtained (by ‘het stedenfonds’) implementation of the ‘conceptsubsidie’ and/or supervisory assignments (advice, supplying input for project applications, substantive back-up, etc.) as the master-plan develops further.