The municipality of Lingewaard has the ambition to give the center of Huissen an important quality boost. Part of this is the redevelopment of the Aloysius location in the center of Huissen. On 13 October, alderman Johan Sluiter and Mark van Doorn, general manager of Janssen de Jong project development, gave the go-ahead for the construction of 30 homes and a semi-sunken parking garage at this location and a start on strengthening the spatial quality and sustainability of the historic center.
In mid-2019, MTD landscape architects was commissioned to draw up an Image Management Plan and Urban Development Plan for the new residential area to be developed at the Aloysius location. The first urban planning sketches quickly showed that the redevelopment of the site had to be considered in the context of the entire center. In addition to the Aloyisius location itself, the redesign of the public space also included the Doelenstraat, the Raadhuisplein and Achter de Gracht. With the redevelopment of the Aloysius location and the adjacent public space, part of the historic centre is being transformed into a green and climate-adaptive city. The Image Management Plan offered the municipality and the developer tools for sustainable and qualitative area development that contributes to the realization of a healthy living environment for residents and visitors; interventions are largely aimed at reducing heat stress, disconnecting water and making water visible and enhancing biodiversity. FARO architecture & urban design and Buro Lubbers won the tender for the further elaboration of the architectural plans and layout plans for the public space.
The transformation of the Aloysius location is largely based on a main structure of high-quality and green public space. With the restoration of the historic system of green courtyards and the connection to the adjacent religious courtyards and rectory garden, the ecclesiastical cluster is given a contemporary meaning and interpretation. Less parking at ground level and less surfacing creates space for greening and making water visible. The newly introduced trees enhance the quality of the stay and provide shade and cooling. In line with the Image Management Plan and Urban Development Plan for the Aloysius location, MTD is working on a redevelopment plan for the Raadhuisplein in mid-2021. The plan revalues the old structure of gardens and alleys; strengthening the cultural-historical values goes hand in hand with climate-adaptive measures. The plans were developed in consultation with public and private parties and thus gained broad support. Spatial initiatives and ideas have been identified and prioritized through an open participation process. With respect for the past, the design plan outlines an ambitious future for the Raadhuisplein.
