Park and squares

Today, botanical rarities thrive where iron ore and slag once lay. Nature has reclaimed what was once hers, and the current park design acknowledges this.

The existing landscape is currently being recultivated, redesigned and completed with care and respect. New paths are being laid around the approx. 19 hectares of the area, and will connect to the residential quarters Belval North and South and the Square Mile – paths for pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and nature-lovers.

There will be quiet zones, bodies of water and play areas for all ages scattered about various themed gardens. The heart of the park is a 20-metre wide ”activity“ band with various play areas and surfaces for football, volleyball and streetball. A skateparc and a kiosk with a sun terrace make the park the perfect destination. 

The public area of Belval contains a number of squares with different characters. They offer an abundance of free area, and are specially designed to encourage relaxation. Some clever examples are the square by the retirement and care home in Belval North and the area around the technical college.

However, the best-known one is at the heart of Belval, right on the blast furnace terrace: the ”Place de l’Académie“ is the hub between the station, the future university, the Rockhal, the experience world Belvalplaza and the BIL bank building. The vast “sunken” square is unique, and is the perfect link between the visible industrial history and modern architecture. The vast flights of stairs on the north and south ends are perfect for strolling and relaxing, as are the small lookout platform, the water basins and the islands with the comfortable seats.