Final phase of Bissegem urban renewal begins with redevelopment of Rietput parking and Neerbeekstraat
Kortrijk City invests 1.8 million euros in new sewage systems, green spaces, and climate resilience in the Driekerken district.
By Els Verhaeghe
••4 min read
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Stone facade of a Flemish town hall with a balcony, in warm afternoon light under a blue sky.
Kortrijk City is launching the final phase of the Driekerken district upgrade in Bissegem, focusing on Parking Rietput and Neerbeekstraat.
Bissegem faces a significant turning point in 2026 with the commencement of the fourth and final phase of the Driekerken district upgrade. Following previous urban renewal projects that revitalized the village center, Parking Rietput and a substantial part of Neerbeekstraat are now being redeveloped. These works include renewing the sewage system and redesigning the area for improved functionality, safety, more green spaces, and climate resilience.
In recent years, Kortrijk City has invested heavily in the village center renewal, totaling 11 million euros. Projects such as Bissegem Plage (nearly 10,000 m² of nature and recreational space), the repurposing of De Minne as a community hub, the renovated Bissegemplaats, the Green Connection, and the demolition of the former town hall have enhanced the village's quality of life. The redevelopment of the Rietput parking lot marks the culmination of these efforts.
Within the Driekerken district itself, several streets have already been renewed, including Vrije Aardstraat, Driekerkenstraat, Bissegemplaats, and Jozef Verhaegheweg, equipped with a separated sewage system. The current works on Parking Rietput and Neerbeekstraat (up to house number 56) signify the final stage.
The construction activities involve renewing the sewage system and infrastructure, with an emphasis on maintaining the current number of parking spaces through more efficient design. New comfortable sidewalks, safe walking and cycling paths, and additional green areas will be created. Post-redevelopment, the parking lot will retain approximately 1,400 m² of asphalt, down from the current 5,200 m², utilizing water-permeable materials. Fifteen new trees will also be planted.
Utility works, carried out by Fluvius (underground electricity cables, new high-voltage cabin), De Watergroep (water pipes), and Telenet (telecom infrastructure), will commence on October 8 and will take place at Parking Rietput, along the entire Neerbeekstraat, and in Gerbodelaan. The works will proceed in phases to minimize disruption, with the most significant inconvenience expected to end by December. All utility work is scheduled for completion by late February 2027.
Starting in 2027, the actual redevelopment of Parking Rietput will begin. Special attention will be given to the area around the KSA local (youth club), expanding the green and play zone, creating a bioswale for water infiltration, and providing more space for play and social interaction. The parking area will also remain suitable for events.
The renovation of the Neerbeekstraat (northern section) includes comfortable and accessible sidewalks, preservation and integration of existing greenery, additional planting at the intersection with Sint-Omaarsstraat, and the quality integration of the new high-voltage cabin. Parking efficiency will be improved with marked parking bays. The estimated cost for sewage and road works is 1.8 million euros, supported by subsidies from the Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (430,000 euros) and Blue Deal (92,000 euros).
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"We are not only renewing the sewage system but also using these works as an opportunity to improve the entire environment. From the initial design phase, we strongly focused on preserving parking spaces. Thanks to a more efficient layout, we will not lose any parking spots while simultaneously creating comfortable sidewalks and safe walking connections. This enhances comfort for everyone who lives, works, or goes to school here."
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"In recent years, we have invested heavily in the village center renewal in Bissegem, amounting to a total investment of 11 million euros. With Bissegem Plage, De Minne, Bissegemplaats, the Green Connection, and the demolition of the old town hall, we have invested in the village's quality of life. The Rietput project is the crowning achievement of this."
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"In the next phase of Bissegem's renewal, we are also strongly focusing on reducing impervious surfaces, increasing greenery, and clean water. With the redevelopment of the Rietput parking lot, we are removing no less than 3,800 m² of asphalt, nearly three-quarters of the current parking area. We are adding more greenery by planting 15 trees, ensuring better landscape integration with the Neerbeek valley. Thanks to an improved path structure, this area will also become more accessible and attractive for walkers and cyclists."
