Temporary additional space for catering awnings is available on the market by Hatem Municipality

In the last period, the municipality of Hatem W with kids In touch about the possibility of starting a pilot to provide temporary space for more parachutes. Differences in expectations around this experimental model and pace of reaching agreements unfortunately led to a tightening of procedures, but that was resolved today in a good conversation.

Terrace policy with more space for extra umbrellas

In 2016, in consultation with townspeople and business people, we developed a new terrace policy that takes into account everyone’s interests. This means, among other things: to provide plenty of space for the terraces, but also to prevent all of them from being covered, which could obstruct the view of shops and ancient buildings.

It has been 7 years since the policy was adopted. Sun protection is becoming increasingly important from a public health perspective. Diners also asked to be able to provide more shade on the balcony. We made agreements today on a pilot program to give space to this while also continuing to take other interests into account.

pilot

In anticipation of an evaluation of the current balcony policy, we will test together how this works and how we can find a new balance. The balance between experiencing our downtown and the view of all the beauty our city has to offer on the one hand, and on the other hand being able to enjoy the comfort of Hatem while taking over the balcony.

In concrete terms, the terraces of De Markt and Bij de Jongen will be given space to place more awnings under certain conditions. It concerns the months of June, July and August, when additional awnings can be installed from 12:00 to 18:00 if it is expected to be warmer than 23 degrees. In 4 weeks, we will evaluate with the entrepreneurs how this pilot program is mutually satisfactory.

Mayor Marilyn Sanders: “It’s a very mixed feeling that I had to take action from my position and therefore I had to take enforcement action, while on the other hand I like to think along with the wishes of entrepreneurs. I’m glad we came out together this way.”