Co-creation at Oude Werfstraat brings residents together to help transform a paved city-centre square into a cooler, greener and more welcoming neighbourhood space.
Image: Residents share their ideas for the future of Oude Werfstraat square during a Cool Neighbourhoods co-creation meeting in Middelburg.
How can a paved square on Oude Werfstraat become cooler and provide a more comfortable environment for the neighbourhood? That was the question residents came together to discuss on 10 June during a neighbourhood meeting organised as part of the Cool Neighbourhoods project.
Young and old came to the square to share their ideas about the future of this important neighbourhood space. The square is currently used mainly by young people, but residents also see opportunities to transform it into a meeting place for the whole neighbourhood throughout the year – including during periods of high temperatures.
More greenery, shade and space to meet
Many ideas emerged during the meeting. Residents said they would like to see more greenery on the square so that it can also provide a cool and comfortable place to spend time during the summer.
Ideas included a community garden with native plants, together with places where residents can sit, relax and meet one another. A drinking-water point was another suggestion.
Reducing the impact of heat
Heat on the square was an important topic of discussion. On sunny days, the area can become very hot because there is currently little shade. Residents believe that additional trees and greenery could help make the space cooler and more pleasant.
This fits closely with the objectives of Cool Neighbourhoods, which is exploring ways to make neighbourhoods more resilient to hotter summers and climate change.
Creating a safe environment
Residents also discussed social safety. Some experience nuisance from groups of young people gathering in the area, while others are concerned that this could increase in the future.
They therefore consider it important that the new design provides a clear and open environment, with good sightlines and sufficient lighting.
What happens next?
Residents' ideas and priorities have been used in developing a design for the square. Six important themes are at the heart of this work:
- More shade and cooling
- Space for people to meet
- Good accessibility for everyone
- Attractive play and recreational facilities for children
- More greenery and biodiversity
- A safe and pleasant environment
With residents' input, work is progressing towards creating a cooler, greener and more attractive square – a welcoming place where people can meet and enjoy their neighbourhood together.