Confluence - Namur
BELGIUM
1
Elected best European car park of 2022
670
Parking spaces
400
Anchors into the rock
9
Meters below the levels of Sambre and Meuse
A thoughtful integration in Namur
The creation of the Confluence car park, opened in 2020, arose from a tender by the city of Namur, aiming to enhance access to the city center. This facility was designed to serve various needs: visitors to the city center, tourists exploring the Namur citadel (easily reached via a nearby cable car exit, less than 100 meters away), and the public attending events at the NID conference center situated above. It also addresses a long-standing request from the shopkeepers of Rue de l'Ange, the main shopping street, for additional parking. This commitment to quality and service was formally acknowledged in September 2022, when the car park was named 'Best New Car Park in Europe' at the 20th EPA Congress.
A tailored solution for city access
Beyond its general public utility, a dedicated, secure tunnel provides direct pedestrian access to the Walloon Parliament for its Members. The parking solution here is not merely about capacity; it's about thoughtful integration into the urban fabric and supporting the city's diverse activities, from daily commerce to significant events. This car park, completed in 2021, embodies a commitment to modern urban functionality.
Revitalizing the historic Grognon site
Almost 50 years after the demolition of the last structures, the historic Grognon site, long left undeveloped, has been given new purpose. Construction began in 2017, with initial works giving way to a year of archaeological excavations. This careful phase allowed a team to discover and preserve records of the neighborhood's historical secrets, adding a unique layer to the project. What was once a disjointed area at the confluence of two rivers and the foot of a hill now forms a more cohesive space. The car park, with its carefully designed surface arrangement, acts as a linking platform, connecting previously separate parts of the city. The spacious esplanade above is also built to support various outdoor events, contributing to the renewed vibrancy of Namur's northern district.
An undertaking beneath the rivers
This car park extends deep below the surface, reaching up to 12 meters underground and an impressive 9 meters below the levels of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. Its construction was approached with unique considerations, designed as a structure that, though substantial, required careful anchoring into the rock. Approximately 400 anchors were placed to ensure its stability against the hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding waterways, a testament to the engineering involved.
Practical design and careful provisions
Meeting ESPA Gold standards, the Confluence car park prioritizes ease of use. Its design features open spaces without columns between parking bays and wide ramps, allowing for straightforward maneuvering. The full LED lighting system provides clear visibility, surpassing typical industry norms. The facility offers 670 parking spaces, including 17 for those with reduced mobility, along with 18 electric charging points, 20 dedicated spaces for bicycles, and 20 for motorbikes. This car park also boasts cutting-edge technology for a seamless experience, including an air purification system, number plate recognition, lockers, and parking assistance. Given its unique location below water level, careful provisions have been made, including two watertight cofferdams for flood protection, and the ability to entirely submerge the lowest level in extreme scenarios. This overall project is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural and urban landscape between the Citadel and the rivers, contributing to the revitalization of this previously underused area of Namur.
