Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Local authorities say that this is a good way to preserve the 15th-century market building while providing a public service
Last week, local authorities in Ghent, Belgium, announced that they would transform the Groot Vleeshuis, a 15th-century covered market into a bike parking lot – offering guarded parking space near the heart of the city.
According to an official statement, this will help the restoration efforts, as the building currently has structural support issues. At the same time, it would continue to be open to visitors and locals alike, while providing a pragmatic solution to the bicycle parking problem plaguing central Ghent.
The building has a relatively open floor plan making adapting it to bike parking quite easy. Meanwhile, the guarded storage space can make many on-street bike parking redundant, in turn, opening space for pedestrians.
Furthermore, refurbishing the building to accommodate bikes is a perfect opportunity to make bigger renovations, respecting the heritage and original architecture, while strengthening the structural supports.
According to the municipality of Ghent, the Groot Vleeshuis will serve as a bike parking lot for 15 years. The project will also feature a public restroom. The estimated cost of the renovation is 7.5 million euros, however, the city can apply for a subsidy of 900,000 euros from the Flanders Heritage Agency.
This would be a much better use of the space, authorities say, as it is currently closed to the public on the advice of experts.
Hafsa El-Bazioui, Alderman of Facilities Management, was quoted in a press statement, explaining: “We can restore the building to its former glory faster than originally planned. We give it back to the people of Ghent with a new destination and a public service. Anyone who comes to the centre of Ghent will be able to enjoy the building again.”
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital