Redevelopment of the Korenbloemstraat in Tilburg

The Korenbloemstraat is a busy and lively street in Tilburg. Until recently, the street struggled with overdue maintenance, parking congestion, and traffic safety, especially for cyclists, required improvement. In addition, the rather stony layout contributed to heat stress and flooding during heavy rainfall. Ample challenges for the new layout. Iv prepared the integral design for the redevelopment on behalf of the municipality of Tilburg. The project’s main objectives were to create a clear structure for cyclists, a climate-proof layout, and improve the quality of the public space.

A parking study was conducted to relieve parking congestion and create a new parking plan. Tree impact analyses were carried out to preserve existing trees, and measures were developed to improve the growth site. Subsequently, everything was technically elaborated into an implementation design, lighting plan, cable and pipe plan, phasing plan and RAW specification. Input from residents was of great importance in this project. Therefore, Iv actively involved the residents in the design process, including through intensive coordination with the sounding board group, citizen participation and information provision via Digiloog and 3D visualisations.

The redevelopment brought considerable challenges, particularly because of the many functions that needed accommodating both above and below ground within a relatively limited space. For example, finding sufficient parking spaces and creating additional greenery was quite a puzzle. Below ground, the challenge was to find adequate space for all cables and pipes, a new sewerage system, additional rainwater storage beneath the parking spaces and improve the growth site. For the realisation, Iv had to carefully consider the order and phasing of all the work as all homes, shops, offices and the café had to remain accessible at all times. Iv succeeded in this, and the civil contractor could complete the work satisfactorily and within the intended implementation period.

The measures developed include a new and recognisable road profile, suggested cycle lanes, wider and accessible footpaths and clear parking facilities. A blauwe ader (a plan involving spatial modifications to surface water and associated watercourses) for rainwater drainage, infiltration crates and wadis have been constructed to reduce flooding. To combat heat stress, more and larger green areas will be created, extra trees will be planted, and façade gardens will be added. A greater variety of perennials and herb and flower-rich mixtures have been used to promote biodiversity. Preserving existing (often monumental) and new trees will be supported by an extensive package of subsurface improvements to encourage growth, consisting of a combination of tree granulate and tree sand tailored to the current qualitative condition, tree category and the intended lifespan. The redevelopment has greatly benefited the local community, road users and the physical living environment. Road safety has improved, and there is clarity about where parking is and is not permitted, while climate-proof measures such as a new sewerage system and green areas help to reduce heat stress and flooding. The project contributes to a sustainable and biodiverse living environment by preserving trees and adding new plants.