City Entrance

On the main road leading into the city centre of Mechelen, the City of Mechelen set high demands for the quality of the public space. However, the Sint Katelijnestraat was dominated by clutter, a real traffic jam. Moreover, the road no longer had the stature of the main entrance to the historical inner city of Mechelen.

Pleasant walking environment

By shifting the priority from motorised traffic to movement-friendly space, OKRA has succeeded in increasing safety and creating a better quality along the street. A continuous profile provides a peaceful base, with the adjacent squares and courts, the Sint-Katelijne cemetery and the Stadsheimelijkheid as the special sites along the line. 

The church of Sint-Katelijnekerkhof now has a green plinth with plenty of space for sitting and relaxing. Raised and tilted green elements strengthen the relationship between the building and the street. The characteristic water rings that mark the former routes of the canals can also be found here as a route through the historic inner city of Mechelen. The sound of the water attracts visitors and masks the noise of the city.

Experience Mechelen

Now it is a pleasant walk to the heart of Mechelen across the Sint-Katelijne cemetery via a route that marks the former canals. The two major landmarks are now clearly marked, and the Sint-Katelijnestraat has become a sophisticated entrance to Mechelen.