Important streets within the route, including Veldstraat, are planned for integral renovation.
The image of a moving tram in the Veldstraat has been a thing of the past for some time now because Ghent is currently undergoing one of the most drastic urban renewal projects in its recent history. With the ambitious Petercelle axis project, which extends from the city ring (R40) to the Korenmarkt, the city promises a complete upgrade of its central shopping and walking axis. This project, which started at the beginning of this year, marks the end of an era when trams driving over cobblestones were a familiar sight in Veldstraat.
This project includes a integral innovation of important streets within this route, with the aim of a general upgrade of this central shopping and walking axis. The tram tracks, roadway and footpaths are in urgent need of replacement, and this offers an excellent opportunity to simultaneously modernize the underlying sewerage and utility lines (water, electricity, telecom, etc.).
The name Petercelle axis is a nod to the historic Petercelle Gate, which was a gateway to the city on Kortrijksepoortstraat until the 19th century. The future vision for the Petercelle axis is one of accessibility and pedestrian-friendliness, with a smooth flow of public transport, fully accessible tram stops, and spaces for catering and terraces. The plans also provide for loading and unloading areas separate from the tram track, green areas, and benches where possible, with a strong emphasis on the preservation and, where possible, restoration of heritage values within the project area.
The impact of the Petercelle axis project on daily life in Ghent cannot be underestimated. The design consciously opts for a pedestrian-friendly layout, where parking space on the axis itself disappears in favor of a comfortable space for pedestrians. However, this does not mean that no attention is paid to the needs of residents, traders, and visitors. Specific measures have been taken with regard to resident parking, short-term parking, and loading and unloading areas in the nearby area. Considerable facilities are being provided for cyclists with a wide range of bicycle parking spaces spread throughout the project area.
Tram line 1, known as Ghent's busiest tram line, plays a crucial role in connecting the city center with the station, making it an essential hub in the daily lives of many Ghent residents and visitors. With the arrival of the Petercelle axis project, this connection will be further optimized. The redesign and modernization of the stops along this axis are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, including those who are less mobile or parents with strollers. This fits within a broader plan to make public space in Ghent not only more accessible, but also more pleasant and safer.
tram stops
The distribution of the tram stops has been carefully planned with an eye to places where many people gather, the distance between the stops and the available space in the public domain. This ensures that the tram line optimally matches pedestrian walking routes and the accessibility of important destinations within the city. The stops themselves are tailor-made for the longer tram sets that are already part of the Ghent tram network. This means that the stops are not only elevated to allow for smooth boarding and disembarking, but are also spacious enough to efficiently handle a large flow of passengers. This design aspect is particularly important in ensuring a high level of accessibility, especially for people with reduced mobility.
Regarding the shelters at the stops, there is an ongoing dialogue with De Lijn to determine where these facilities will or will not be located. These decisions are made with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, in order to create a pleasant and user-friendly public space that meets the needs of the city and its inhabitants.
