Zottegem – The city of Zottegem is set to redevelop Heldenlaan in 2026, integrating essential sewer upgrades with a comprehensive street renovation. Alderman Marnic De Clercq highlights the importance of resident involvement, prioritizing tree preservation and the establishment of a modern, enduring shopping destination, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT News, Zottegem, located in East Flanders, Belgium, has long contemplated renovations for its main shopping thoroughfare, yet no tangible progress has been made. Alderman De Clercq indicated a renewed commitment to address these plans differently.
“There is urgent work that needs to be done, such as installing new sewers,”
he stated. Additionally, the renovation process will seek to accurately reflect resident preferences prior to commencement.
“At the same time, we want to renovate the street. Before starting, we want to know exactly what residents want,”
Community Engagement in the Future of Heldenlaan
The city aims to incorporate narratives and memories of residents regarding Heldenlaan into the redevelopment plans. De Clercq noted that these personal accounts are crucial for understanding community values.
“By looking back at residents’ experiences, we learn what matters most to them,”
he emphasized. Additionally, the city intends to gather public opinions on the future vision for Heldenlaan.
“We will explore the past but also the future,”
Alderman De Clercq remarked.
“We are convinced that with everyone’s contributions, we can develop a great plan,”
he added. However, he cautioned that decisions must be made carefully as not every preference can be accommodated.
“These choices also need to be future-oriented. The redevelopment should last far longer than five years, so every decision must be carefully considered,”
The objective is to balance current needs with long-lasting solutions to ensure Heldenlaan remains a vibrant and attractive street for future generations.
Active participation from residents will be encouraged throughout the process. Flyers will be distributed, and city officials will communicate directly with community members to solicit feedback and ideas. The ongoing collection of stories and responses from residents continues to shape the emerging plans.
“Only when we have everything can we create a plan and then hope that everyone agrees with it. That won’t be easy, but next year we’ll have a plan and be able to move forward,”
the alderman explained.
Discussions regarding the renovation of Heldenlaan have been underway for several years; however, actual work has yet to commence. Initial proposals were crafted in 2018 as the city sought to enhance both the infrastructure and aesthetic of the street, with improvements suggested for pavements, modern lighting, and the retention of the iconic tree line that characterizes the area.
In 2021, assessments revealed that the aging sewer system required replacement and that drainage concerns needed resolution. The latest initiative, announced in 2025, aims to merge these critical infrastructure improvements with a holistic redevelopment plan.
