In Halle, construction has begun on the controlled floodplain at the ‘Grote Weide’. This new buffer basin is being built on behalf of the city of Halle and the province of Flemish Brabant. These works will provide better protection against flooding for the surrounding residential streets, including Poststraat, Victor Baetensstraat, Auguste Demaeghtlaan, Beertsestraat and parts of Bergensesteenweg.
During heavy rainfall, large quantities of water flow from the valley slopes towards the Groebengracht. The stream flows towards the centre of Halle, but cannot cope with these peak flows. This has caused regular flooding in the area for many years.
A buffer basin of 72,000 m³
The area around the “Grote Weide” – between Sint-Maria Hospital, Beertsestraat and Victor Demesmaekerstraat – proved to be particularly suitable for the construction of a controlled floodplain. With support from Life Belini, among others, this floodplain can be constructed. In total, it can hold up to 72,000 m³ of water, which significantly reduces the risk of flooding in the area.
Within the buffer zone, the Groebengracht will be given a meandering course, which will slow down water drainage and at the same time increase the ecological value of the stream (click on the photo for a video). Amphibian pools will provide additional nature development and help to mitigate the problem of drought in the summer.
Space for recreation and nature experience
The ‘Grote Weide’ will not only have a water management function, but will also become an attractive landscape area:
- wooden boardwalks with viewing platform
- an observation terrace
- a picnic meadow
- accessible footpaths and bridges on the dykes
- a redesigned and raised Tramstraat with new cycle path
This development therefore offers added value not only in terms of water collection but also for recreational use.
