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The installation of fibre optic cables in the Zonneveld district of Grimbergen is a project with a special twist. After the cables have been installed, we don’t put back the original pavers. Instead they will be replaced by grass, flowers and plants. In a smooth collaborative effort with the municipality and client Wyre, we are combining infrastructure works with much-needed depaving, also creating visual added value for the district.
Close consultation with the muncipality and Wyre
In Grimbergen, the fibre optic roll-out is in full swing. We work there on behalf of Wyre, the joint venture between Telenet and Fluvius. “During such infrastructure works, ongoing consultation with the local government and residents is crucial,” says colleague Jeroen Segers, City Manager for Grimbergen.
At one point the municipality asked us not to put back the paving stones, in order to depave the area. This means that the hard footpaths will be replaced with permeable soil, with grass, plants and flowers. Jeroen: “We were of course happy to participate in this initiative, which has many advantages for residents and the environment. By replacing concrete and asphalt with a water-permeable surface, the risk of flooding is reduced and biodiversity is boosted.”
1000 m² depaved
The municipality’s depaving request did not come out of the blue. Depaving is a priority on the agenda of local authorities. “Our ambition is to depave 1 m2 per inhabitant,” says Kirsten Hoefs, Alderwoman for Roads, Water, Green and Buildings in Grimbergen. “Concretely for Grimbergen, this means 40,000 m2 less concrete, pavers and asphalt.”
When the fibre optic roll-out in the Zonneveld district was still in the design phase, the alderwoman approached Wyre and Circet to ask if infrastructure works could be combined with footpath depaving. Kirsten: “This meant we could turn something that is a nuisance – infrastructure works are bound to be an inconvenience – into something positive.”
During an information evening, the municipality informed the residents about the works and the associated depaving plans. They were able to view the plans, ask questions and even determine which vegetation would be planted in their street. “The info session was a real success. We even got applause at the end,” laughs Kirsten.
“In the Zonneveld district, Grimbergen is depaving 1,000 m2, but residents don’t have to compromise on comfort and safety. After all, there is a footpath on both sides of the street, and we are only depaving one side.”
A slightly different approach
The depaving project did require a slightly different approach to the fibre optic roll-out itself. “On the one hand, we had to dig deeper, across the entire width of the pavement,” says colleague Kim Loffens, Operations Director at Circet. “On the other, we did not have to put the pavers back afterwards.”
How far along is the project now? “We are already in the final stage,” says Jeroen. “The conduits are in place and we have refilled the trenches with sand. It is now up to the municipality to pour topsoil and provide planting.”
A project with a future
Since depaving is a hot topic throughout Flanders, the Zonneveld project in Grimbergen may inspire other municipalities. “This is the first time we have received such a depaving request,” conveys Chris Schouten, Director of Fiber to the Home Mass Roll-out at Wyre. “But the benefits for residents and the environment are undeniable. That’s why we were immediately enthusiastic about making this happen.
Better still: we will refer to this case study in our contacts with the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities. Indeed, if such depaving ambitions are planned well in advance, we can realise them together with our partners, including Circet.”
