The redevelopment of the ponds at Het Zoet Water in Oud-Heverlee is entering a new phase with the creation of a new bed for the Vaalbeek. By decoupling the stream from the ponds again, the natural water management is being restored, and the site is further developing into an attractive nature and recreation area within the Brabantse Wouden National Park.
Since 2021, the Agency for Nature and Forest, the municipality of Oud-Heverlee, the province of Flemish Brabant, and the Provincial Fisheries Commission have been collaborating on the ecological redevelopment. The first phase, which began in September 2025, involved de-silting the ponds, with pond 1 and 5 being fully dredged and sludge removed from other ponds to create new banks.
Patrick Huvenne, regional manager at the Agency for Nature and Forest, reports that the works have created natural banks with space for vegetation, improving water quality and ecological recovery. The ponds, fed by spring water, are expected to become clearer.
The works proceeded smoothly with limited disruption. A unique temporary landscape emerged in ponds 3 and 4 during their dry period. In early October, the final components of this phase will be completed with the installation of new sluices to regulate water levels.
The second phase of the project has commenced, where the Vaalbeek will have its own bed along its entire length next to the Maurits Noëstraat. Tom Dehaene, deputy for watercourses, emphasizes that the stream is being given space to flow naturally again, enhancing biodiversity.
Bart Nevens, chairman of the Provincial Fisheries Commission, adds that the renewed watercourse provides an unobstructed passage for fish thanks to over a hundred fish ladders.
During the works, there will be construction traffic, and a section of the square at pond 1 will be de-paved. Temporary parking spaces will be created along the Maurits Noëstraat. Construction starts at the Waversebaan and will move upstream towards pond 5. Pedestrians and cyclists will retain maximum access, but work zones will be temporarily closed for safety.
Bart Clerckx, mayor of Oud-Heverlee, assures that inconvenience will be minimized and looks forward to the new wooden boardwalk at pond 2, which will become a new attraction.
Bridges, railings, and the new boardwalk will be built using local wood from the Brabantse Wouden. Gunther Coppens, deputy for spatial planning, considers this a significant first, strengthening nature, water management, and recreation.
Following the works on the stream, the construction of walking paths and the finishing of parking areas will take place. The stream works will conclude in the spring, with the full site redevelopment expected by the summer of 2027.
The project is realized with subsidies from the Agency for Nature and Forest (€651,222.82), the Blue Deal of the Flemish Environment Agency (€639,198), and the province of Flemish Brabant (€75,000). The works are carried out by firms Van Raak and Heylen.
The project is part of the strategic project Walden, a collaboration between the province of Flemish Brabant, the Agency for Nature and Forest, the city of Leuven, and the municipalities of Bertem, Huldenberg, and Oud-Heverlee.
