The city of Ostend proposes concrete measures for the Westerkwartier area. “Private land can be used to provide more space for local residents.” † Ostend

The challenges in the Westerkwartier region are significant and to properly address them, there is a need for cooperation between the various actors operating in the region. “With the resources of Flanders, we can pay more attention to Westerkwartier. This unique region faces many challenges because it is also the largest, most densely populated and most diverse region in Ostend. Together with the region itself, we will put in place a lot of concrete actions”, explains Mayor Bart Tommelin. (Open VLD). The Marines in Ostend play the directing role. “Over the next four years, they will work with residents and neighborhood partners to create a vibrant and socially powerful neighborhood,” adds Aldermann Maxime Dunk.

A number of actions have already been proposed that will be worked on. “The intention is to make the private domain partly accessible to the residents of the neighborhood. The owners of Wellington Golf Oostende are willing to consider together sharing a portion of their renovated Royal Greenhouses and stables and giving substance to the area. This is being addressed from the bottom up in partnership with District.” The lawn of the A. Lacourt Residential Care Center may also be made available to neighborhood associations, subject to agreements.

Temporary street furniture will be placed in the court yard. “The goal then is to identify needs in consultation with the neighborhood and further shape the arena. There will also be a multi-sport stadium on VTI grounds near the court yard. This sports field is used by VTI students and is available to residents outside of school hours.”

Tangible improvements have already been made to Sint-Catharinaplein. “Stronger lighting has been installed, bushes lowered, waste baskets moved to driveways and broken street furniture removed. In the course of the Parks Plan work, the public space will be examined in more detail. Gardens and plazas are important meeting places. The goal is to expand the strengths of the public space and consider in needs or deficiencies.Points of improvement can then be addressed in terms of safety, inconvenience, dumping shutdown, accessibility etc. A number of possible interventions are lighting, garden visibility, pleasant and adequate seating, adequate waste baskets, bicycle facilities, and space for children to play , as well as a space for dogs. Westerkwartier is the first turning area.”

In the context of this project, walking tours of thematic neighborhoods are also organized under the name “Wijkwandel je mee”. City services and professional organizations active in the neighborhood are invited to tour Westerkwartier. They receive explanations and in the meantime visit specific places in the neighborhood related to their chosen topic.

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