ION

Hazegras is no longer just a place to pass through. In Ostend, Thomas Dejagere, Head of Sales at ION, and Kenneth Sleuyter from A1AR explain how the neighbourhood is evolving into a quieter, greener connection between the station, Maria-Hendrika Park, the harbour and the city centre.

👇 English subtitles available below.



(English subtitles)
What is the City of Ostend’s plan for the Hazegras district? In the past, the Hazegras district was essentially the station district of Ostend. And then you had the cafés and the ladies of pleasure that were connected to the station. The station was then moved to the back. In the past, the Hazegras district was the access road from the west coast into Ostend, with the Tettenbrug here, which is very well known and iconic. That connection was moved to the roundabout, which meant that this connecting axis no longer existed. As a result, the quality of the Hazegras district no longer lies in through traffic, but in the fact that it is a fantastic neighbourhood. For me, this is the most beautiful part of Ostend. Yes? Yes, I really think so, because ultimately it is the best located part of Ostend. Very quiet, and immediately close to the centre and the harbour. So you have all the advantages of the city, while in principle you do not have the disadvantages of the city here. The intention is that, from the station, they will create a fully green corridor here that connects Maria-Hendrika Park with the station and the city. So all those cars will disappear here, which will greatly improve the liveability of the city. This will essentially become the main cycling connection between the park and the station.