OUTLINE PLAN - FORTRESS BELTS AROUND ANTWERP IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

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OUTLINE PLAN - FORTRESS BELTS AROUND ANTWERP IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Project number 296828

1 OUTLINE PLAN - FORTRESS BELTS AROUND ANTWERP IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 1

2 ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT Title : Outline plan - Inner and outer fortress belts around Antwerp Subtitle : Implementation plan Project number : Reference number : P:\296828\HERZIENING mei 2012\RP&O\4_Definitief\1_Nota Review : Date : 6 October 2014 Author(s) : Philippe Loomans, Jeroen Bastiaens, Peter Van Der Poort, Manu Versluys address : Checked by : Manu Versluys Signature checked : Approved by : Jochen Ghyssels Signature approved : Contact : Grontmij of Antwerp Stationsstraat 51 Department of Spatial Planning and Mobility B-2800 Mechelen Department for Land Use Policy T Koningin Elisabethlei 22 F B-2018 Antwerp mechelen@grontmij.be T f info@provincieantwerpen.be This document has been realised with the support of the Interreg IVC-programme of the European Union. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 2

3 CONTENTS 1 GENERAL DEMAND-DRIVEN PROCESSES General Initial information POLICY DRIVEN PROCESSES: DEVELOPMENT Provision of advice and fine-tuning within the planning procedure Process monitoring/coordination Implementation plan: dynamic document PROPOSAL FOR ACTIONS Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 3

4 Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 4

1 GENERAL What emerged from all the meetings with the stakeholders concerned is that there is broad agreement on the fact that there is an urgent need for a common conceptual vision to work towards

5 1 GENERAL What emerged from all the meetings with the stakeholders concerned is that there is broad agreement on the fact that there is an urgent need for a common conceptual vision to work towards and that the can play a coordinating role in this regard. On the other hand, however, there are still wide divisions on the question of where eactly we stand currently and what the net steps in the development process should be. It is clear that we are currently faced with a wide range of issues and plans at various levels. It is therefore important to consider how the outline plan can be developed. We are therefore focusing initially on the role of the in the development process. The aim is to provide a blueprint for the approach to the outline plan which can be adopted by the as promoter, on the one hand, and as process supervisor or facilitator, on the other. In other words, the outline plan acknowledges that development calls for widespread cooperation. The different policy areas and authorities involved mean that it is often far from clear which party is best placed to take the initiative and which should have ultimate responsibility. This comple backdrop means that a purely top-down approach stands absolutely no chance of success. On the other hand, it would not be appropriate to adopt a wait and see attitude and simply wait for bottom-up initiatives to emerge. The outline plan must bring together the various strands involved and provide the parties with a sort of charter enabling them to contribute as constructively as possible. The implementation plan must also be a fleible document. Once drawn up, it provides a snapshot of a particular conceptual vision for the future. Other input, new concepts and also new opportunities or policy decisions, will lead to the various actions involved being ranked differently in terms of priority and finetuned and/or updated. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 5

6 Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 6

7 2 DEMAND-DRIVEN PROCESSES 2.1 General On the other hand, the outline plan must also allow for bottom-up demand-driven processes. Clearly, (local) promoters working on a particular project offer a very high guarantee of projects being implemented and completed effectively, irrespective of performance of the outline plan as a whole. The perception of the outline plan and of the role of the is of key importance in this regard. By offering a point of contact, sharing know-how and providing active support, initiatives can be rapidly identified and screened. In this regard, the potential use to be made of a fort and its environment, based on the thematic principles (see 11.4 Use) are crucial to the decision-taking process. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 7

The above processes show that different approaches are possible depending on the stakeholders concerned and the different claims that may be laid to a fort and its environment.

It then became apparent that there are doubts about starting new initiatives and that there are also a number of concrete problems with the eisting facilities.

8 The above processes show that different approaches are possible depending on the stakeholders concerned and the different claims that may be laid to a fort and its environment. During the course of this study, it became clear that local authorities and owners have a range of relevant ideas. It then became apparent that there are doubts about starting new initiatives and that there are also a number of concrete problems with the eisting facilities. The bottlenecks seem to be broadly similar. They arise from problems of legal uncertainty, due primarily to the absence of any solution to activities not complying with the land use laid down in the plan. A second bottleneck relates to the problems arising from (tourist) pressure on the environment of the various sites. In this regard, the spatial legitimacy of the environment must be eamined to establish a frame of reference for the maimum permissible activities. Thirdly, there are many issues in relation to tourist and recreational access to the sites. Finally, the identification of potential funding is a difficult but important task. In practice, for a solution to be provided to these problems, they need to be looked at in relation to the specific area to see how the functions can be incorporated into each site based on the development potential of each fort. Depending on the spatial area in which a site is located and the nature of the activities, the possibilities must be determined on the basis of the site concerned. Monitoring the quality of the space must take centre stage in this regard. Frequently, this can only be achieved through a Spatial Development Plan (Ruimtelijk uitvoeringsplan RUP). The place occupied by tourism, recreation, nature and cultural history in a space falls primarily into the spatial planning policy area. To achieve developments on the ground, an approach focusing on development must be established to eploit the opportunities opened up by the local authorities, stakeholder groups and the tourism and recreation sector 1. 1 Shared space for tourism and recreation; Factors critical for the success of Flemish policy, Tourism research paper no. 15, November Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 8

9 2.2 Initial information If we look how things work in practice, the local authorities in general and the municipal departments in particular are generally the first to come into contact with any initiative on the ground. It may form part of a broader planning process, a local initiative or a question posed by an owner/manager. As already indicated, it is of key importance that these initiatives are captured and passed on from the outset. Given the overall outline plan that has been developed and the frequently sectoral nature of the legislation serving as a yardstick against which initiatives are measured, the initial information must be correct and be rapidly provided. It is therefore important that work is done on an information pack that can be used specifically to support the initial information process. It is also important that potential promoters and owners/managers are provided with timely information on the procedure. The procedure is set out in the diagram below. Throughout the entire project preparation process, the strategic subject areas set out in the outline plan must be covered (ecology and bats, cultural history and landscape, access and accessibility, uses). The last two subject areas are grouped together in the urban planning and mobility section. The process consists of three phases, involving si steps: Eploration phase: assessment of the overall conceptual vision Step 1: Collection of information about the legal framework Step 2: testing the initiative against the conceptual vision in the outline plan Development phase: development of the file Step 3: testing against the statutory requirements and procedures Step 4: additional research, consultation and development of a conceptual vision Official procedures Step 5: formal applications for clearance and permits Step 6: authorisation procedure It is recommended that contact be established with the municipality at a very early stage in the process (that is to say, before the project has been fully developed); the municipality will act as the first contact point (Step 1). The municipality can provide information about the legal framework and the background to the Fortress Belts (outline plan). The contact person for the province can be informed of the initiative through the municipality. Then (Step 2), whether or not the initiative falls within the (supra-local) conceptual vision for the Fortress Belts must be assessed, in consultation with the municipality and the province. The area-specific and thematic principles set out in the outline plan serve as a point of reference in this regard and as guidance for the subsequent development of a conceptual vision. In Step 3, insight is obtained into the statutory requirements and procedures which must be followed under environmental legislation, the Land-Use Planning Code (Code Ruimtelijke Ordening), the Heritage Act (Erfgoeddecreet), etc. The statutory requirements often depend on the legal framework (see Step 1) and the vulnerability of the environment. Depending on the statutory requirements, further research is undertaken (Step 4) into the relevant (component) aspects. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 9

It is recommended the necessary consultation being included in this phase to resolve any concerns arising during the development of the conceptual vision and to ensure that the authorisation

10 It is recommended the necessary consultation being included in this phase to resolve any concerns arising during the development of the conceptual vision and to ensure that the authorisation procedure goes more smoothly. If the action is of a strategic nature, the province will actively monitor and support this step (see under Monitoring and support ). Once the conceptual vision and constraints are known, formal clearance and permits can be applied for (Step 5). The statutory procedural rules apply in this regard. If the application is not approved (Step 6), the conceptual vision must be adapted (potentially on the basis of additional research) (Step 4) or the design of the initiative fundamentally changed (Step 0). Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 10

11 Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 11

12 3 POLICY DRIVEN PROCESSES: DEVELOPMENT 3.1 Provision of advice and fine-tuning within the planning procedure The role of the will consist for the most part of overseeing development of the outline plan at policy level. In this regard, the is in the best position to have an overview and to provide the right input internally and eternally and even to take steps itself. The approach is to draw up specific advice targeted at the right level (Fortress Belt, spatial area, fort) and on the basis of the subject areas referred to in the outline plan (Cultural history and landscape, Ecology and bats, Access and accessibility, Uses). The provision of advice will therefore be based on the principles of the outline plan that are used as an overarching conceptual vision. The outline plan can form part of all possible plans and actions and the different policy areas. This means that the plan can be incorporated into different ongoing planning processes. This provides an answer to how supra-local planning initiatives can be combined with local initiatives. 3.2 Process monitoring/coordination Part of the s role is to start up and monitor the development process. A number of (organisational and monitoring) instruments are needed to ensure that the development of the outline plan is constantly under the spotlight and is undertaken. To this end, we first draw up an implementation plan to translate it into reality. The implementation plan will serve as a framework for meeting the objectives. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 12

13 3.3 Implementation plan: dynamic document An implementation plan means a number of concrete steps to be undertaken to reach a goal. Based on the conceptual vision developed, visible results must be achieved. To give these steps concrete form, they must have: a clear description of what must be done; one or more parties who must implement the steps; a deadline/time line/flow chart/plan of approach. The conceptual vision, mission and (strategic) goals are set out in the previous chapters. An outline is provided of the qualities, opportunities and aims for the plan as a whole and for its component parts. Overall, we propose that the outline plan serves as a vision statement and stepping stone for the development of the Fortress Belts in the broadest sense. The implementation plan must be such that the plan can be implemented step by step and thus facilitate an overall approach. In drawing up the implementation plan, we focus, as indicated earlier, on the actions of the as a promoter or as a supporting partner, insofar as these are currently known. The actions proposed are given legitimacy and concrete form on the basis of the four strategic goals established: 1. Development of a platform for consultation; 2. Creation of a green belt around the City of Antwerp; 3. Cohesion through recognisability (presentation, promotion and programme) 4. Cohesion through perception of the forts (routes, diversity and information booths) The implementation plan is not a document just giving an ehaustive list of actions. It is always possible that other actions which are not yet known may emerge in the future. The actions work in parallel on the different strands but in general we apply the following approach. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 13

14 Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 14

15 4 PROPOSAL FOR ACTIONS The basic principles are: Concrete actions are taken in respect of the four strategic goals. Time scale: short term (1-3 years), medium term (4-6 years) and long term (6-9 years) Some actions are performed (c) continuously. To bring together the four strategic objectives in the short, medium and long term, the feasibility must be eamined and an organisational structure worked out. The draws up a concrete planning schedule with a timetable and gives an indication of the results. Development of a platform for consultation action 1. Look into the organisational options for the project Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Work through project coordination, a single point of contact and make use of internal and eternal epertise action 2. Work through a one-stop-shop Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Set up a physical/digital information point for demand-driven initiatives. This would make it possible to provide a response to the concrete demands of local players. A one-stop-shop must work as a knowledge centre. This includes the Draw up a forts vademecum action (see Action 6). action 3. Organisation of the consultation structure Initiative partners ST MT LT Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 15

16 Goal Organisation of structured consultation so that a consultation platform can be offered with a view to coordination, knowledge building and epansion of the network. To develop the conceptual vision and actions in the outline plan and translate them into reality. Flanders, municipalities, owners and managers, eperts, associations, etc. action 4. Organisation of monitoring and evaluation Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal The goal is to properly monitor the development of the project. Annual report Annual meeting Annual consultation: eplanation of the results Flanders, municipalities, owners and managers, eperts, associations action 5. Organisation and drafting of initial advice Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Working out a process diagram or brochure as specific support for initial information. Information Municipal authorities campaign targeting all competent (internal and eternal) departments and authorities. action 6. Draw up a forts vademecum Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal This may serve as initial help in cases relating to forts'. Rebuilding, management, planting up, 'At Fort' partners, water management, bats protection plan, architectural and landscape guidelines, etc. Including eperts data pooling, list of knowledge providers, contact persons, etc. Passing on of the lessons learnt, knowledge and eperience from the EU At Fort project to Fortress Belts projects. action 6.1 Draw up a data sheet per fort Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal A great deal of information is incorporated into the outline plan. This information is not arranged per fort. This information, which is contained in various parts of the document, can be ordered per fort. Municipal authorities action 6.2 Draw up a concrete basis for assessment Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Determine criteria/areas calling for specific attention that can be used in providing advice. These Municipal authorities criteria include visibility, access, accessibility, etc. action 6.3. Drawing up of a follow-up study on historical remains Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Map out the bunker lines, sluices, canals and all other relevant remains and defence lines that Monument Watch were built as part of the defence system and conduct an analysis of these remains at a mezzo architectural heritage foundation level. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 16

17 action 6.4. Development of a knowledge platform Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Set up a digital database in which knowledge can be collated and split between management, Municipal authorities, Flan- financing, conservation, restoration, bats, contact data, etc. ders, AT FORT partners, eperts, associations, owners and managers, etc. action 7. Draw up a funding guide Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Investigation of the funding options and investments (Flanders, European programmes, private Flanders funds and foundations) and support for projects in their search for funding. Europe Port of Antwerp Contractors, etc. action 8. Look into a tool for calculating the investment costs Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Set up a calculation tool which can provide insight into the total investment cost for a given Flanders, municipal fort/idea based on various parameters and the potential management costs and income. authorities action 9. Appointment of a Fortress Belts ambassador Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Appointment of a public figure who can draw attention to, generate interest in and focus attention on the Fortress Belts, in short serve as their public face. A regular role as ambassador and advocate of the Fortress Belts as a cohesive project/product,such as the city poet, city painter, etc. This ambassador serves as spokesman for the Fortress Belts. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 17

18 Creation of a green belt around the City of Antwerp; action 1. Outline plan embedded at policy level Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Monitor and consolidate the spatial connections between the forts, accessibility of the forts (free up circuits, line of sight, etc.). The multifunctional nature and territorial cohesion of the defence lines must also be weighed up at policy level within each planning process or development strategy. This can be done through internal or eternal coordination. Flanders, municipalities, owners and managers, eperts, associations, etc. action 1.1 Draw up a proposal for the listing as monuments of forts/redoubts which are not yet protected. Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Efforts are being made to have the forts/redoubts of the Fortress Belts protected as listed monuments. Flanders, municipalities, owners and managers, eperts, associations, etc. action Goal action Goal 1.2 Draw up a proposal to translate the conceptual vision of the outline plan into provisional policy plans To draft a short note that can be used in new policy plans to be drawn up, such as the Flanders Spatial Policy Plan, the Spatial Memorandum of the of Antwerp, etc. 1.3 Draw up a proposal to translate the outline plan implementation plan into a bat conservation management plan To provide support with drawing up the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos ANB) management plan for the development of the bat conservation objectives in the Fortress Belts around Antwerp; to translate it into reality through an implementation plan, in consultation with the Agency, and incorporate it into the Agency's management plan. Initiative partners ST MT LT Flanders, municipalities, owners and managers, eperts, associations, etc. Initiative partners ST MT LT Flanders, municipalities, owners and managers, eperts, associations, etc. action 2. Draw up a spatial development strategy for the Brialmont spatial area. Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Enhance the recognisability of the forts through design-driven research. Focus on accessibility Flanders, municipal authorities (visibility), territorial cohesion and spatial and/or functional connections with the Groene Singel green belt, the Noorder- en Zuiderpark (north and south parklands), the Scheldelandschap (Scheldt river landscape) and the open farmland, the Krijgsbaan ring road as the connecting Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 18

19 action Goal backbone and the removal of spatial barriers such as the Scheldt, the Boomsesteenweg highway and the Albert Canal. Implementation of this strategy and the structural role of the Brialmont Belt, in relation to the city/fort/outskirts and the connection of the open space around the city in reconstructing the R11 and R11bis highways, and within other area-specific or strategic projects and the municipal structural plans concerned. Alignment of the other supra-local planning procedures relating to two railway access points, the R11 ring road, etc. The inherent capacity for growth and development is used for positive intervention in/connection of the forts. This development strategy must be draw up in as much detail as possible and also contain a concrete implementation plan, indicating the signage, signposting, connection to recreational routes, etc. 3. Draw up a development strategy for the other spacial areas the Antitankgracht (anti-tank ditch), Southern Flank, Western Flank, the left bank of the Scheldt and the Scheldt forts. Enhance the recognisability and visibility of the forts within the environment through design-driven research. Highlight the accessibility (visibility), and outdoor design of the many remains hidden in the landscape, the crucial nature of the linear elements, such as the anti-tank ditch, as the backbone and enhance the environmental values and/or values of the farmed environment in and around the defensive line and upgrade that line as an important vector for recreational facilities in the wider environment. Implementation of this strategy in area-specific or other strategic projects. Initiative partners ST MT LT Flanders, municipal authorities action 4. Encourage the drawing up of a development concept per fort Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Green forts: draw up a management plan/master plan, with the focus on the management plan /Flemish c c c Red forts: draw up a master plan/management plan, with the focus on the master plan Government The aim is to establish an integrated conceptual vision/master plan for each fort. The drawing up of a conceptual vision may derive from an action by an owner/manager or from a broader planning process or a Government initiative. When such development concepts are drawn up, specific development agreements are concluded. The aim is to find the right balance for each fort between nature, culture and economic activity, the right mi of functions and use over time. Owner Municipal authority Flanders action 5. Draw up a development concept for information booths Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Epand on the development concept for the information booths in the various spatial areas: individuality, agreements, identity, etc. thorities, Municipal au- owners Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 19

20 action 6. Draw up a follow-up study on historical remains Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Map out the bunker lines, sluices, canals and all other relevant remains and defence lines that Monument Watch were built as part of the defence system and conduct an analysis of these remains at a mezzo architectural heritage foundation level. action 7. Investigation of historic plantings for the fort and environment Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Research into historic plantings in and around a fort (remains, reinstatement possibilities, etc.), University of Antwerp for Nature and Flemish Agency based on the eample held by the University of Marseilles (Vauban constructions). Forests Municipal authorities, agricultural organisations, owners Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 20

21 Cohesion through recognisability action 1. Draw up the communications plan Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal To inform, involve, engage (organised) population groups and specific target groups in a structured way. The aim is to draw up an overall communications plan as a separate document in or- for Nature and Flemish Agency Forests, Natuurpunt nature der to be able to organise active guidance with a view to developing the outline plan and knowledge of the Fortress Belts. One principle is that the forts as a whole should first be brought conservation to the fore, as they have great promotional value. association, municipal authori- Look into the possibilities presented by multimedia and social media. ties, owners, etc. action 1.1. Implementation of the communications plan Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Management and update of the website Epansion of the online platform with all the necessary information and updates. The website serves as a digital platform for a clear presentation of the defence lines and individual forts and redoubts and as a knowledge centre. This platform serves as the central information and support centre for the press, schools, visitors, the authorities, etc. The importance of a good and complete website (possibly supplemented by a Facebook page, calendar, archives, etc.) cannot be underestimated. action 1.2 Implementation of the communications plan: house style Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Implementation of a house style: A house style (logo, layout, etc.) has been established for the Municipal authorities, Fortress Belts around Antwerp. This house style has been communicated to the municipal authorities, managers, owners, etc., for use for communications relating to this matter. An infor- Owners Government authoritiemation board for each fort or redoubt so that visitors and residents can see how the forts are interlinked and obtain background information about the fort and the defensive line concerned. action 1.3 Implementation of the communications plan: branding Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Draw up a strategy to make the Fortress Belt a strong brand. By marketing the Fortress Belt as, private an historical and recreational asset it can be developed sustainably. companies Simon Stevin Draw up a slogan or base-line, press events, projects, etc. Vlaams Vestingbouwkundig Enhance the Fortress Belts as an (agro/cultural/historical) tourist/recreational product. Centrum (SSVVC) for the Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 21

22 preservation and restoration of fortified sites action 1.4 Implementation of the communications plan: publications at the level of the Fortress Belt Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal - Manual on bats in forts: translation of the legislation into practice. Flanders - Atlas of the Fortress Belt: this atlas could be a luury edition with cartographic material (e.g. Epert groups for particular subject area) together with essays or historical details. A book of this type could Municipal authorities, serve as a reference work, promotional material, gift item, etc. - Zimmermann aerial photo collection, Managers and owners - etc. Associations (Natuurpunt nature conservation association, Simon Stevin Vlaams Vestingbouwkundig Centrum (SSVVC) for the preservation and restoration of fortified sites) action 1.5 Implementation of the communications plan: publication of recreational maps Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal By drawing up a well presented and usable product, the Fortress Belt can be made more tangible and be given a higher profile. action 2. Draw up signage and signposting Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal The aim is to make coordinated signboarding for the forts available. Clearly, this must be established in consultation with the partners and at various levels. Municipal au- Flanders thorities, action Goal 3. Look into the possibilities of a fort label as a quality mark for an approach to conservation, restoration, revitalisation and architecture of forts and redoubts Overall approach to renovation and reconversion. 3. A clear, uniform approach to the conservation, restoration, revitalisation and architecture of forts and redoubts. In restoring the forts, it is Initiative partners ST MT LT Flanders Epert groups Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 22

23 important in drawing up the various projects that there be a degree of uniformity, as regards urban integration, a common architectural language on restoration, rebuilding or new builds, landscape architecture, nature conservation and development, and promotional activities. Each initiative must be worked out with the same degree of quality and have a sort of fort label. This approach will contribute to the underlying cohesion of the forts: the Fortress Belt is a single project, not a number of individual projects. Municipal authorities, Managers and owners Associations (Natuurpunt nature conservation association, Simon Stevin Vlaams Vestingbouwkundig Centrum (SSVVC) for the preservation and restoration of fortified sites) Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 23

24 Cohesion through perception Action 1. Set up visitor centre forts Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal The aim is to equip visitor centre forts, which will serve as access points for the Fortress Belts or spatial areas along those Belts. Here the focus is on the possibilities as regards usage and equipment, e.g. placing of information display boards in the Fortress Belts house style, options for guidebooks, information, interactive elements, research, visitor centres, etc. By setting up these forts, they can be used as promotional material for the Fortress Belts as a whole. In the information booths, information is provided about the fort itself, about other forts and the Fortress Belts as a whole, but also about the different activities and functions in the (different) forts. These information booths are fully equipped and arranged (insofar as possible, given the environment) to provide maimum access and accessibility. Projects under way include: - Stabroek Partners Municipal authorities, Owners, managers - Oelegem - Duffel Action 2. Connection of the visitor forts and optimisation of the eisting connecting routes Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal The aim is to offer an attractive network through good access (this also forms part of the marketing of the product). By way of eample, the following actions are directly concerned: Develop a Fortress Belt route as a cycle and walks network that goes to all forts and links them together. Flanders Municipal authorities, - Finalisation of the recreational cycle connection along the ATG cycle route - Look into the possibility of a Fort Lillo-Fort Liefkenshoek connection (landing stage for a ferry) - Antwerp-Essen Fietsostrade cycle route - Antwerp-Mortsel-Duffel-Mechelen Fietsostrade cycle route - Set up slow routes Municipal authorities, Municipal authorities, municipal authorities province Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 24

25 Action 3. Recreational access to the individual forts and their environment Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal The aim is to provide access wherever possible. This is possible on the basis of both a demanddriven process or within policy-driven processes. The can play a role in enhancing Flemish Agency for Nature and awareness and can contribute to decision taking and the provision of advice. Forests - Recreational access to Fort Kapellen and the military railway (Railway lines for 2014 project) Owners - Recreational access for Mastenbos - etc. Action 3.1 Placing of information display boards and information booths Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Information display boards inform passers-by about the relationship between the forts, the history of the fort concerned and the current use. Information booths also contain such information, but are also set up as rest points along a recreational route. Owners Municipal authorities, Owners, managers Action 4. Organisation and support for events Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Organisation of an event for the wider public on the Fortress Belt: free, low-key, with cultural, historical and environmental input, cycling and walking from fort to fort. thorities, Municipal au- c c c Support for eisting events Action 5. Create an image bank Initiative partners ST MT LT Goal Input graphic material and photos, cards, sketches, drawings, for eample by fort. To be added to Owners by all parties and accessed centrally. A picture says more than a thousand words. Municipal authorities, Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 25

26 OUTLINE PLAN - FORTRESS BELTS AROUND ANTWERP IMPLEMENTATION PLAN This document has been realised with the support of the Interreg IVC-programme of the European Union. Project number Implementation plan NV Grontmij Belgium SA Cluster Landscape Beek & Kooiman Cultural history 26

Environmental Hazards and Risk Management

Terms of Reference for ESPON-INTERACT Thematic Study Environmental Hazards and Risk Management Environmental hazards and risk management/preventions are important elements in the discussion of future Structural