Desselgem to renew village center from October with more greenery and less concrete, completion set for 2028

Desselgem’s village center is set for a major transformation from October, with concrete and asphalt giving way to greenery, seating and places to meet. The project in the Waregem district was originally planned for early 2026 but has been delayed.

The work will bring a new sewer system, less paving and more green space. On the church square, the plans include an additional attraction for children and a large public playground. Philip Himpe, Waregem’s alderman for public works and mobility, said the school could use the playground during lesson hours. The city is considering whether it can also open to the public outside school hours.

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There will be an additional attraction for the children and a large public playground.

The cafés around the center will also receive greener surroundings and water features, while the parking areas will be rebuilt. Streets around the square will be redesigned with greater attention to cyclists and pedestrians. Nieuwstraat will become a cycling zone, and Grote Heerweg will receive suggested cycling lanes and parking strips made from grass-concrete blocks.

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The school can use the playground during lesson hours. Outside school hours, the city administration is considering whether the playground can also be open to the public.

The link between Nieuwstraat and Sint-Pietersstraat will get a new semi-paved surface designed to let rainwater infiltrate the ground. Residents and others interested in the plans are invited to an information meeting on September 9, where panels will explain the work phases and project staff will answer questions.

The works are expected to last two years. Himpe said the city hopes to finish before summer 2028, when Desselgem will host the Belgian National Road Cycling Championships in May.

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We hope everything will be ready before summer 2028. The Belgian National Road Cycling Championships will take place there in May.