Sintropher Meeting Veurne, 18 March 2010

Main access possibilities towards Veurne

– By car: A18/E40 Brussel – Calais: access to the Highway in Veurne – By bus: towards coast and rural hinterland – By train: Brussels - De Panne (1 train/hour) – By waterway: Canal Nieuwpoort – Duinkerke Opportunity: tram extension Koksijde – Veurne will make of Veurne a regional public transport hub for the Westhoek, reinforcing the city in its role of regional centre of the Westhoek

Dynamic seamless interchange in Veurne Aim within Sintropher (WP3 I07 ) To become the regional hub for public transport in the Westhoek through seamless integration of modes train – tram – bus in the Veurne railway station – Sub – platform access to the platforms for train – tram – bus – Relocation of bus platforms – Adjusting platform heights for train – tram interchange Raise the passengers comfort – Integrated real time information – Integrated passenger transfer logistics – In this way: attracting more tourists for day trips Economic impact study – Study how the investments in the railway station area attract new public and private investments

Declaration of intent Aim Revaluation of the railway station and the surrounding area Facilitation of the transfer from one means of public transport to another Partners Belgian Railway Holding : Infrabel and NMBS De Lijn City of Veurne Engagement City  feasability study Railway Holding gives long lease on railway buildings to City Railway Company and De Lijn bring ticket sale in new common building Railway Company allows City to build subway under rails for easy transfer bus – train / train – tramway / tramway - bus

Declaration of intent  feasability study Declaration of intent granted by partners : 1st half of 2008 Market inquiry to find an adequate planning office : autumn 2008 Start of feasability study by Grontmij : january 2009 Takes into account : – Future tramway line – Easy interchange between different means of public transport – Possibilities for development of surrounding area (older buildings at the Station Place and undeveloped grounds of a former building company behind the grounds of De Lijn  new housing facilities, shops,…) – Posibilities for the railway station buildings Result

The railway station of Veurne

New future for railway station buildings ? Passenger railway station and freight station Listed buildings (1895, neogothic style) Too big for actual needs of railway company – No freight traffic  freight station rented to judo sports club – For passenger traffic : only ticket selling point needed Railway company prepared to give a long lease to the municipality – Restauration of the buildings with flemish subvention possible – Conditions ? Price ? Free use ? For which purpose (restaurant ? museum ?)  possible partners ? Meeting with railway company planned

Easy interchange Tramway – train – bus Subway needed – Close to planned ticket selling point – Financing of construction by city of Veurne – Permission of railway company --> meeting end March 2010