Removing grey areas in Hove

The municipality of Hove is committed to dealing with water in a smart and future-oriented way. The new stormwater and drought plan provides a clear response to changing weather conditions and includes:

• an overall vision;
• a specific approach per sub-area;
• a concrete action list with priorities.

Softening projects have already been implemented in three locations:

• Jozef Lambrechtlei: wadis have been constructed on both sides of the street. These wadis collect rainwater, which can then infiltrate into the soil. This prevents clean water from going to the sewage treatment plant unnecessarily. It also ensures that groundwater is replenished.
• Onderwijsstraat: part of the street was softened and a green playground with wadi was created;
• De Ster: softened here, several wadis were constructed, more greenery and the cycle path was reconstructed.

Buildings and infrastructures

• As little alteration of the initial landscape as possible /as much naturalness as possible to replace grey and concrete surfaces (e.g. green roofs and walls, greening the surroundings, incorporating the existing landscape into the infrastructure);
• Use native species/subspecies that are more resilient and resistant to climate change, if appropriate;
• Provide amenities with sufficient space/length/thickness to ensure the creation of habitats, green-blue areas and veins.

The plan proposes a characterisation of streets according to the hydrological function they can fulfil (infiltration street, retention street, aquifer street).
It also defines locations where we see opportunities for future actions. This will allow the municipality to get straight to work on future projects. We do all this not only on the public domain, but also with an eye for opportunities on private property. The goal is a climate-resilient water system that helps prevent flooding and drought while improving water quality.