Groeseind, Tilburg

The former working-class district of Groeseind, built round a textile factory, has undergone restructuring. Once a typical pre-war district with small-scale social rented accommodation, sparse greenery and lots of cars parked in the streets, it has been transformed into a fresh, green neighbourhood with an open character that gives the impression of always having been there. It has become a diverse and sought-after neighbourhood with a wide variety of rented and owner-occupied housing that, due to its design, has also given the surrounding neighbourhoods a positive stimulus. De Zwarte Hond designed the master plan and later the urban development plan.

Green space and diversification

The most important means deployed for the restructuring, are the addition of more public green space and the diversification of the housing supply. In addition, a great deal of thought was given to strengthening the existing qualities.

The framework of green, public space forms the basis of the plan. New green streets and squares increase the qualities of the residential environment and form connections between the old and new elements in the neighbourhood. Centrally located in the plan is an elongated park where the local residents can play, spend leisure time and relax. The city’s avenues converge here and are routed round the park. The residential streets are predominantly leisurely in character. Many of them are even closed for through traffic. Private strips between the public pavement and the housing including seating elements invite residents to make intensive use of the outdoor space. Vehicles are parked out of sight in the intervening zones. By using the existing urban fabric, the neighbourhood blends naturally into the district.

Architecture

Nine architects were called in to design the housing for the renovated Groeseind. The determining factors in the urban development plan guaranteed cohesion within the neighbourhood, but no street is the same. Houses with ground-level access and apartment buildings of differing typologies alternate, incorporating a mix of social housing for rent and purchase. The housing in the main streets is constructed in cheerful, orange brickwork. A refreshing change compared to the grey bricks prior to the reconstruction.