Over the years, the Grote Markt in Hulst had gradually turned into a parking lot. By reorganizing the roadway and reducing parking space, the square is reclaiming its original scale and character.

With one clear gesture, we are restoring the market between the town hall and the basilica as a legible, monumental space—from facade to facade and tower to tower. Sightlines to both towers are reinforced, terraces are given more room, and new trees provide much-needed shade. The adjacent basilica garden, reimagined as the 'Hemels Hof' (Heavenly Court), becomes an integral part of the ensemble: a green, permeable urban garden that enriches the monumental square with tranquility, seating areas, and seasonal experiences.

A Square from Facade to Facade
The design is rooted in the medieval square structure. A single, level ground plane without hard edges transforms the market into a flexible urban space where the weekly market, events, and daily use naturally coexist.
By relocating the roadway, more space is created for terraces and social interaction. Large, strategically placed trees mitigate heat stress and enhance urban biodiversity. A water feature subtly references Hulst’s fortress history while providing cooling and a place for play. Around the basilica, the garden wall opens up significantly toward the market, allowing the Hemels Hof to serve as a serene, green counterweight within the public realm.

The 'Plinth of Hulst'
A subtle brass threshold creates a serene transition between the roadway and the terraces without disrupting the unity of the square’s surface. At the same time, this 'Plinth of Hulst' tells a story.
The top surface features engravings from the epic Reynard the Fox—a nod to the artwork by Chris Ferket, which will be placed in the church garden. In this way, a single detail connects past and future, market and court, function and imagination. It is a modest gesture that gives the square character and a unique signature, deeply rooted in the identity of Hulst.

Step by Step Toward a New City Center
The transformation is being carried out in phases. In the coming years, the Grote Markt will evolve into a place designed on a human scale—with ample room for the market, social gatherings, and relaxation.
What is currently a fragmented traffic and parking zone will gradually develop into a cohesive urban ensemble where the basilica, town hall, and city garden once again form a legible and vibrant space. Hulst is gaining a recognizable, green, and lively center where the historic space can truly be felt again.