In the coming years, parts of Wijgmaal will undergo a true transformation. It is already an attractive place to live, close to the city and in the midst of green surroundings, with space for relaxation and a wide range of facilities. A combined approach for the projects planned in Wijgmaal will help preserve its identity, improve its quality of life and work towards climate neutrality. This will help Wijgmaal become a 10-minute centre, where there is plenty to be found within walking and cycling distance.
Your contact person
Who takes part?
Who are all the partners in the project?
Role of Leuven 2030?
In this breakthrough project we assume the following role(s):
Place in the Roadmap?
This breakthrough project is part of the following programmes of the Roadmap:
How does it work?
By looking at Wijgmaal through a broad, spatial lens, we see more opportunities for linking projects and steering the village towards climate neutrality in a holistic way. In doing so, we not only create efficient solutions, but also strengthen community cohesion and build a future-proof Wijgmaal. Projects planned in the near future include:
Wakkerzeelsebaan
Along Wakkerzeelsebaan, AGSL (Autonoom Gemeentebedrijf Stadsontwikkeling Leuven), the city of Leuven and social housing company Dijledal are building new residential units. These will be heated fossil-free. Currently, it is being investigated whether the district heating for the new residential area could also make the nearby streets more sustainable. Other plans include a large park with a picking farm, a day nursery and a cultural meeting centre. The neighbourhood will also be car-free.
Ymeria
The sports fields will be redesigned in an open, park-like setting, giving the neighbourhood more green space. At the same time, one of the Dijle arms will be reopened, allowing more space for water too. A new bicycle bridge will be constructed across the river, making the site and the rest of the village even easier for cyclists to reach.
Remy-site and railway station
The characteristic railway station building will be renovated into an office and meeting place for local residents. Apart from the sports hall, there will also be a new parking building with bicycle storage. This will create more space for greenery on and around the station square. Tunnels will be built under the level crossings in Wijgmaal to make cycling and walking safer.
Call for ideas from local residents
Citizen panel founded
Citizen panel presents recommendations
End of the project
Call for ideas from local residents
Citizen panel founded
Citizen panel presents recommendations
End of the project
Why is this project important?
In the neighbourhoods where we live, work and play, Leuveners come into contact with the solutions proposed by the Leuven Climate City Contract. These solutions can reinforce each other. Especially in places where new housing, mobility solutions, energy infrastructure and nature-based solutions come together, unique opportunities arise to accelerate our city's climate transition. This is precisely why the city is taking a holistic view of the breakthrough projects that are in the pipeline. In the urban renewal projects that thus come into view, various partners work together and local residents are always central.
The path of the past couple of months