Belgian town Kinrooi transforms former dairy site into green zone and event plaza

The Belgian municipality of Kinrooi is set to revitalize the long-neglected 'Oude Melkerij' site, transforming 13.5 hectares in the heart of the town into a green public space and event venue.

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An earlier collaboration with project developers died a quiet death, because the economic situation is different than 5 years ago.

After 15 years of vacancy and stalled housing projects, the municipality has decided to accelerate its plans. Instead of waiting for housing development, Kinrooi will undertake an immediate greening initiative and create an event plaza. "We are taking the initiative," officials stated.

The site, located near the Sint-Martinus church, has been a point of discussion for years. Previous collaborations with developers failed due to changing economic conditions. "An earlier collaboration with project developers unfortunately died a quiet death because the economic situation is different than 5 years ago," explained Mark Hoedemakers, alderman of Public Works.

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We are taking the initiative.

In this first phase, Kinrooi will establish new walking and cycling connections between Breeërsteenweg and Kloosterstraat. A truck parking area will be removed, and the ground will be de-paved. Tree planting is scheduled for November and December, aiming to create a park-like atmosphere by spring.

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We will tidy it up a bit so it looks neat.

A portion of the site will be designated as an event plaza. "We will tidy it up a bit so it looks neat," Hoedemakers added. The first phase of this redevelopment is expected to be fully completed by January 2027. While the housing component is temporarily on hold, the municipality is working with partners like social housing company Wonen in Limburg on a new master plan for a second phase, which will incorporate the greening elements into its design.

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The greening that we are now undertaking will also determine the DNA of the piece of housing that we still want to fill in there.