During the study phase of the Sustainable Neighborhood Contract, it became clear that the Jacquet neighborhood, located in the ‘historic Koekelberg,’ urgently needs more childcare facilities, playgrounds for children, and green spaces. With nearly 18,633 inhabitants per km², Koekelberg is one of the most densely populated municipalities in the region, characterized by a young and family-oriented population. Within the perimeter of the Jacquet Sustainable Neighborhood Contract, almost one-third of the residents are under 17 years old.

To meet the specific needs of this young population, the municipality plans to build a daycare center for 56 children on Jean Jacquet Street. The plot they have in mind also offers the opportunity to create a semi-public, recreational, family-friendly, and intergenerational space within the housing block. One of the challenges of the project is designing access to this green oasis and its interaction with the daycare center.

In parallel with this task, the redevelopment of public spaces within the neighborhood contract is underway. Jean Jacquet Street, as the central thoroughfare of the neighborhood, is part of this project. Led by Lokus and New South, the project aims to redesign the street to be better shared among users, dematerialized, and planted to improve the neighborhood’s green network. Since the park extends from Jean Jacquet Street, coordination between the contractor and the Lokus and New South team is essential.