Nova Rode

Nova Rode is an urban park in Sint-Genesius-Rode (Rhode-Saint-Genèse), a Flemish municipality just south of Brussels in the province of Flemish Brabant. It occupies a site of more than 14 hectares right at the heart of the town, built on the grounds of a former paper factory that had stood empty for decades.

Where does the site's history begin?

The paper factory settled here because of the water running through the valley: paper production needs large quantities of it, and the site developed along the Molenbeek, the stream that crosses the area. Paper manufacturing is water-intensive, which explains why the factory grew up precisely in this valley rather than elsewhere in town. After the factory closed, the large plot sat unused for several decades, until it became the focus of one of the region's more significant urban renewal projects, taking the name Nova Rode.

What does the park look like today?

Today's Nova Rode combines residential development with a large public park. The design offices SumResearch and SumProject drew up the masterplan and designed nearly 300 new housing units, ranging from high-standing homes to lower-cost and social housing. Thirteen residential buildings were arranged within the Molenbeek valley so that they open onto views of a landscaped park.

The Molenbeek itself was rerouted into a new channel that meanders gently through the site, a result of cooperation with the province of Flemish Brabant. The park, covering roughly 8 hectares, also includes a pond that has become a focal point for this part of town. Parking areas are tucked out of street view by taking advantage of the natural slope of the land, while the building facades are finished in natural stone to reinforce a high-grade character and blend the architecture into its green surroundings.

Who is this place for?

Nova Rode functions both as a residential neighborhood and as a public green space open to everyone in Sint-Genesius-Rode. Its extensive park is well suited to walking, and the combination of a meandering stream, a pond, and mature tree cover makes it a popular spot for residents looking for a quiet green escape close to the town center, without needing to travel into Brussels.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Nova Rode located? In the center of Sint-Genesius-Rode (Rhode-Saint-Genèse), a municipality bordering the southern edge of Brussels, in the province of Flemish Brabant.

What stood on this site before? A paper factory that relied on the Molenbeek stream for its production and stood abandoned for many years after closing.

How large is the site and the park? The overall development covers more than 14 hectares, of which about 8 hectares form the public park.

What stands out about this place? The rerouted, meandering Molenbeek stream, a pond, thirteen residential buildings integrated into the greenery, and parking hidden by the natural slope of the terrain.