Action plan for a future-proof Roosendaal

During the spring of 2019, the municipality of Roosendaal took the initiative to develop an action plan for a future-proof city center. The municipality asked Except Integrated Sustainability to reimagine public spaces through a holistic, citizen-driven design process that addresses climate adaptivity, accessibility, cultural development, and social cohesion. The plan contributes to enhancing Roosendaal's reputation as a pleasant, lively, and green sustainable city. Its most significant concepts include reimagining the Nieuwstraat streetscape, developing the climate-adaptive urban garden Stadstuin van Hasselt, and reinforcing the city's network of alleys and scenic spots.

The Problem

Roosendaal's city center, like many Dutch cities, faces increasing climate stress: urban flooding from extreme rainfall, heat island effects during summers, and declining biodiversity in its public spaces. At the same time, the center needed to accommodate new cultural functions including a cinema while improving pedestrian accessibility.

The challenge was to transform conventional public infrastructure, particularly parking lots and car-dominated streets, into climate-adaptive, biodiverse spaces that enhance both ecological performance and social life without displacing existing urban functions.

Process

Citizen-driven design

Together with local residents, we decided to transform parking spaces into wadis, small streams filled with pebble and sand that retain water and allow it to infiltrate subsoils. These wadis intertwine with surrounding green spaces to enhance biodiversity while addressing the community's priorities.

Streetscape reimagination

The Nieuwstraat plays a vital role in public accessibility to the city's cultural heart. With the introduction of a new cinema and restoration of a connected public garden, the street was redesigned to accommodate new functions while upgrading its role as an entryway to the city.

Historic landscape restoration

The climate-adaptive urban garden Stadstuin van Hasselt was created by reimagining a parking lot built over a historic garden. By uncovering and restoring these forgotten landscapes, the design connects climate adaptation with cultural heritage.

Outcomes

Climate strategy: Integrated; Wadis, rain gardens, and green infrastructure throughout the center
Public engagement: Citizen-led; Design decisions made together with local residents
Heritage: Restored; Historic gardens uncovered beneath parking infrastructure
Biodiversity: Enhanced; Green corridors connecting existing scenic spots and alleys