Castel Park

Project: Castel Park
Architect: Atelier Paysage

Momentary association

LRArchitectes / SEA

Programme: Redesign of a landscaped park

About: The Castel Park is a 27-hectare landscaped area on the outskirts of the Beauraing agglomeration, located within the geographical area of the Calestienne.
This historic park, known as "English-style," dates back to the first half of the 19th century. The site has been classified since 1947 and was acquired by the town and opened to the public in the 1970s.
Since that time, the park's forest cover has gradually thickened, and the circulation infrastructure and equipment created at the time have deteriorated.
In 2016, a master plan proposed a series of management and development actions to preserve the environmental value and attractiveness of the site in the long term for residents, tourists, walkers, regular athletes, and those participating in various recreational and cultural activities.
In 2021, a storm destroyed several hectares of woodlands but indirectly accelerated the park's evolution.
Around the rivers and historic ponds, on the enhanced terrain and limestone rock, the entire vegetation strata have been restructured and managed to form a mosaic of diversified environments: mown areas, mowed and grazed meadows, an orchard, new forest plantations, isolated trees, hedgerows, and more.
The project also includes the redesign of the main access, the renewal of welcome and comfort facilities, and the creation of a walking loop (accessible to people with reduced mobility) with the installation of new footbridges over the existing ponds, designed as contemporary ‘follies.’