This pilot investment explores solutions for retrofitting of SUDS in two different types of urban public space: green and paved surface.

Molenwater is a 2 ha public park, which was a part of the city’s canals in the 17th Century. The park will be adapted in collaboration with citizens to act as a strategic SUDS. Areas will be created to store storm water when required, but at other times form part of an attractive garden and public open space for the citizens to enjoy. We aim to create a SUDS that provides at least 2000m3 of new rainwater storage, offering flood protection to 250 surrounding houses.

The Municipality of Middelburg adopted a co-creation process for this pilot investment, to actively involve citizens and stakeholders throughout the design process. Read more about it in this News item.

In the nearby Dauwendaele district, SUDS will be implemented next to a shopping center De Overloper. Water from 1.5 ha of car park and roofs will be captured in a redesigned green corridor. A multidisciplinary team will design the plan, involving citizens and using the cross border design principles. The idea is to store storm water from the (mall’s) roofs and the surrounding sealed surfaces in an underground storage system, to prevent the area from flooding. This water will be reused as a watering system for trees and plants of the surrounding area, and for recreation use (water playground).

This SUDS will provide 1500m3 of new storm water storage, protecting 50 ground level apartments and 20 shops. To maximise visibility of the investment and public awareness of climate resilience, citizens will be involved in the whole process. The story of the innovative SUDS water systems will be visualised with plaques on both sites.

The Municipality also adopted a co-creation process for this pilot investment, to actively involve citizens and stakeholders throughout the design process. Read more about it in this News item.