The site of wine merchant Geens has been awaiting a new purpose since the closure of the eponymous business in 2007. Commissioned by project developer Dyls and with the support of the city of Aarschot, an international team of architects has been working on an ambitious urban project since 2013. a2o (Hasselt), De Vylder-Vinck-Taillieu (Ghent), DRDH (London), and C+S (London, Treviso) jointly developed a master plan tailored to the site. Each firm will subsequently refine a part of the plan. This will result in a diverse and high-quality new urban district. Referring to the old Orleanstoren (Orleans Tower) on the hillside behind the site, the project was named De Torens ("The Towers").
The design of De Torens is based on a thorough study of the urban context and spatial connections of the current site. The location links the historic city center to the former city walls and the open landscape beyond. From Bonewijkplein and Leuvensestraat, the old Orleanstoren is once again made visible and accessible. The project creates a connection between the city and the landscape.
A new urban square will be developed along Leuvensestraat, flanked by approximately 4,500 m² of new retail spaces. The shops will have facades facing the square and will be integrated into the natural slope of the terrain. Parking garages and access roads will be incorporated into the existing elevation differences and kept out of sight, allowing the entire site to remain car-free.
Additionally, the project provides space for approximately 220 new homes. It is aimed at a broad audience, including starter homes, dual-income households, and seniors. Each home will have its own unique character and terraces facing either the square or the Orleanstoren. Furthermore, around fifty new assisted-living units will be developed along the Albertlaan, adjacent to the Orleanshof. The characteristic sloping roofs of the historic city center will be continued in the new architecture, emphasizing the integration with the surrounding environment.
