De Nieuwe Mark
Published on 19 October 2020
Netherlands
Noord-Brabant
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Reinstatement of former river and harbour to reach a wide range of different objectives concerning economy, climate change, quality of life, water/heritage.
Resources needed
Total public investment was € 29,5 million. The design for the last phase is ready, and needs an extra amount of between 25 and 30 million. Private investors invested about 200 million, the upcoming water related investments will exceed this amount. The city is responsible for design and engineering
Evidence of success
The first two phases (harbour and river) were largely appreciated by the population, and are an example for a number of European Cities, that you can use the force of water for inner city regeneration. The relations in the public domain, especially on the topic of water and heritage, are restored and renewed. Economic effects are considerable, and the water is a trigger for private investments in the inner city. And it is a good example how you can work on climate change in a dense urban tissue.
Potential for learning or transfer
Process: it is vital to engage stakeholders in an early stage of (re)development, and to give them a role in research, programming and design process; key element is engagement of other authorities (province, water board); connect the challenge to the story of the city, on a strategic, tactical and operational level;create an atmosphere around the project of Soul (spirit of the project), Trust (we rely on each other), Quality (we go for the best), Theater (stand together on the podium) and Courage (you are stronger when you do it together)
Content: removing water courses is easier than to reinstate them, there are all kind of technical underground challenges; invest in flexibility (e.g. Breda prepared the quays and bridges for deeper water on the long term); experiment to combine the greenification of the city with the “bluefication”; combine the “Ecotech” and “Ecotouch” approach in measures for climate change
Content: removing water courses is easier than to reinstate them, there are all kind of technical underground challenges; invest in flexibility (e.g. Breda prepared the quays and bridges for deeper water on the long term); experiment to combine the greenification of the city with the “bluefication”; combine the “Ecotech” and “Ecotouch” approach in measures for climate change
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Municipality of Breda
Netherlands
Noord-Brabant
Contact
Heritage advisor