type
Programming and public participation
Context
The City of Tournai is in the midst of a major transformation. This includes the current redevelopment of the Plaine des Manoeuvres site into an urban park - a project that aims to strengthen the town's green network while providing a green public space for the housing developments of the inner suburbs.
Having been the object of a master plan in 1993, it has now been deemed appropriate to begin from scratch to define the evolution of this site. Therefore, as part of the first phase of the plain redevelopment, the municipality sought to organise a participatory programming process.
Mission
The mission involved the organisation of a series of participatory deliberations on the future development of the Plaine des Manœuvres into a green space. The objectives included the clearing of the ground, the identification of existing uses (desirable or undesirable), the expectations of the current inhabitants and users, and the definition of the programme for the future development.
Approach
The methodology consisted of numerous exchanges with locals: meetings with neighbourhood associations and institutions, site visits, an online survey, workshops with a steering committee and public meetings at various stages of the process. A timeline of the site's history and evolution was created together with the local residents, so as to situate the future reflection along the plain's historical thread and take into account its main transformations. The process was heavily impacted by the COVID health crisis, but nevertheless resulted in a thorough understanding of the site and the aspirations of the stakeholders.