BERINGEN, 9 SEPTEMBER 2011 — The public company be-MINE gives permission to proceed with the realisation of Houtpark, the new residential neighbourhood on the grounds of the former Beringen mine site. The first phase involves the construction of 111 housing units for a wide variety of people. In the near future, building will begin of the central Sporenpark and Sporenplein, after which the various housing units will arise in this rich heritage area.
After a period of consultation, planning, and design, the realisation of Houtpark will be the first concrete step in the recovery of the Beringen mine sites. In addition to the functional restoration and revaluation of the historic heritage into a new versatile meeting area, the construction of the residential neighbourhood Houtpark will serve as an important asset to the town of Beringen.
In the green zone between the mine buildings and the Stationsstraat, the public company be-MINE, a public-private partnership between LRM, DMI Vastgoed and Van Roey Vastgoed, anticipates around 596 new housing units in various categories, including a nursing home with adjacent care flats. Altogether, a great variety across the different price ranges.
Living in a park
The first 111 housing units will soon take shape on the grounds where the supporting beams for mining were stacked at the time. Hence, the name 'Houtpark' (Wood Park), not only out of respect for the past but also because of the green and car-free character of the neighbourhood.
Between the residential buildings, the old timber trails will be restored, while the layout also refers to the historical heritage of Beringen-Mijn.
The old walls around the mine site will reappear in a cutaway shape at the ends of the wood paths. Other notable elements in Houtpark will be the wadis, which provide a gradual infiltration of rainwater into the subsoil.
Around the clustered coal tracks behind the buildings of the first phase, be-MINE will create a new meeting and experience space in the form of a park with a paved event plaza: the Sporenpark and the Sporenplein. There will also be a bicycle entrance point in the area of the plaza, since there will be an important bicycle intersection in the near future.
Four forms of housing
In this first phase of construction, Houtpark will offer four different forms of housing: urban villas, mansions, park apartments, and urban apartments. The 36 urban villas will be at the front of the site, situated in a green area next to the Koolmijnlaan. These apartments of approximately 120 m² have spacious indoor terraces and an underground garage. Moreover, the buyers can arrange the living space to their likings.
The 31 urban apartments will be located along the Stationsstraat and the entrance gate of Houtpark. The surface of these housing units will range from 80 to 113 m². The lower roofs of the U-shaped building will be green in order to beautify the view for the residents of the higher units. In addition, this building will offer 2,100 m² of storage and office space at ground level.
Complementing the urban apartments, the park apartments will emerge along the Sporenpark. Their large terraces (16 m²) and the view at the park from the living areas will ensure that the residents can enjoy the green spaces to the fullest. The 32 apartments range in size from 98 to 127 m².
In turn, the 12 mansions connect to the second leg of the urban apartments. The housing units will range in size from 156 to 187 m², and are divided into two blocks. Each house will consist of three levels and include three bedrooms and a multipurpose room. The buyers are free to choose how to arrange this space.
The architecture of urban villas – at the front of Houtpark – contrasts with that of other buildings. While the urban villas manifest themselves as light, concrete volumes, the buildings behind them will consist of more massive brick architecture, complementing the adjacent mine buildings. The same goes for the visual rhythm of the windows in these housing units.
Tight planning
The building permit applications for both the construction of public space and the construction of the various housing units have been submitted. Approval is expected shortly. In the spring of 2012, be-MINE is planning to start the construction of the Sporenpark and the Sporenplein. This will give potential buyers a clear idea of their future living environment. The construction of the housing units will start as soon as possible. The total investment for this housing project will be approximately 27 million euros.
An environment with a future
An important aspect of living in Houtpark is the revaluation of the nearby mine buildings. These plans are also at an advanced stage. In cooperation with the town of Beringen, be-MINE will realise a very attractive, valuable, and sustainable cultural, recreational, and shopping environment.
The renovated mine buildings form a very authentic setting for a wide range of social and community activities. In addition to the mining museum and the new city swimming pool, be-MINE is planning a very enchanting mix of facilities for sports and recreation, experience and events, retail and hospitality, employment, loft apartments, and more. All this in a vibrant community environment in which people from Beringen and surrounding areas can meet each other or come together, and enjoy the many facets of everyday life.
More information for the press
Contact person
Jacky Scherens
Tel.: 011 85 97 13
Mail: info@dmi.be
DMI Vastgoed
Herkenrodesingel 4b
3500 Hasselt
Tel.: 011 859 713
Fax: 011 225 635
Mail: info@dmi.be
be-MINE NV
Koolmijnlaan 201
3580 Beringen
Profile of the partners
DMI Vastgoed – Build to work together
DMI Vastgoed is a leading and multidisciplinary project developer. The projects of DMI Vastgoed often offer a mix of living, working, and leisure. In addition, the developer pays great attention to high quality living, and strives to make people feel good during their moments of shopping and relaxing.
DMI Vastgoed has grown from a traditional project developer into a specialist in public-private partnerships, especially in urban core development. The philosophy of DMI Vastgoed in such projects is to deliver a durable end-product in cooperation with the government and other private partners. The aim of the project developer is to offer spatial solutions that meet the customers’ wishes and do so in a socially involved and ethical way.
More information: www.dmi.be
Van Roey Vastgoed – Together in confidence
Within the Van Roey Group, Van Roey Vastgoed represents the part of project development. Both via the 'classical' path, and through the concept of 'public-private Cooperation'. In the latter, the Van Roey Group has been a pioneer in Flanders, and to this day, it is co-leader in project development. The ambition is to create a clear added value, which the future users of the developed goods can truly enjoy.
For Van Roey Vastgoed, the process of project development does not end until the completed project has been put into use. An optimal result can only be achieved through a successful collaboration between all parties involved. This makes project development and real estate management the work of specialists, people with the spirit of enterprise, who know the market, are able to recognise risks at an early stage, and translate this into a viable project. The term added value should be interpreted broadly, this way continuing a culture of 'continuity through quality', which has been prospering in this company for over 270 years.
More information: www.groepvanroey.be