Charleroi Métropole includes 550,000 inhabitants in 29 municipalities and 2,000 km2. The average density is 275 inhabitants / km2, below the average density of Belgium (350 inhabitants / km2). It is a low-density area, and its value resides as much in its natural ad its urban territory (50/50).
The challenge of Charleroi Métropole for the coming years is not quantitative but qualitative. Unlike other industrial cities (such as Liverpool or Detroit) Charleroi has not experienced a major demographic decline in the past. But it does not observe a significant growth curve either. Indeed, the demographic growth of Charleroi Métropole will remain weak in the years to come. It is a fact and not a fatality, which can be turned into an asset.
For this, it is necessary that Charleroi plays its own cards focusing on the specificity of its territory. We are currently working in a large multidisciplinary team to develop a new vision for Charleroi Métropole.
2017 – ongoing
Territorial development plan for Charleroi Métropole
Team : GRAU, Buur (mand.), Idea Consult, Tetra, le CREAT
Client : Igretec