A green and weatherproof shopping street in Winterswijk
Thanks to collaboration with shopkeepers and local residents, a number of high streets in Winterswijk (Wooldstraat, Spoorstraat, Willinkstraat, Satinksplas and Weurden) were made more attractive, greener and better able to withstand flooding in just one year. It has proved to be a highly successful makeover, which may well be replicated in the other high streets in the town centre in the future.
- Client
- Gemeente Winterswijk
Reason for redevelopment
In the spring of 2023, the ABH-City Business Association and Winterswijk Council joined forces. The increasing risk of flooding during heavy downpours in Wooldstraat was the catalyst for this project. To reduce the risk of water damage and disruption, the drainage system was therefore overhauled. At the same time, there was a desire to give the paved shopping streets a green and pleasant appearance for residents and shoppers alike. This project placed the utmost emphasis on participation and public support.
Challenge in this pilot
A key question was whether narrow shopping streets could be made greener in such a way that sufficient space remained for suppliers, emergency services and shop storage. Given the narrow streets and the large number of underground cables and pipes, this presented a challenge. Wooldstraat and the surrounding area served as a pilot project. Developments in this pilot will be closely monitored in the coming period, and an evaluation will take place in due course.
A green makeover for the shopping area
During residents’ gatherings and planning meetings, everyone had the chance to contribute their ideas. This led to a makeover of the small squares in Satinksplas and Willinkstraat. Planting beds were created, large trees were planted, new paving was laid and street furniture was installed. In addition, a large stormwater drain and a substantial open channel were installed, complete with an emergency overflow in the ‘Blikbak’ car park. Twenty five-metre-high green columns were designed specifically for the Wooldstraat and surrounding area project. These now adorn the streets and will be covered with evergreen and flowering climbing plants in the coming years.
Partners and funding
The following partners collaborated on this project: Okra Architecten (design), SEMON (structural engineering), Sjoerd Frielink Multidiensten (construction), Firma Raterink (natural stone paving), Grijsen Park- & Straatdesign (street furniture) and Bureau TRENNING (environmental and project management). The project was made possible in part by a financial contribution from the Province of Gelderland.
