Parc de la Halle aux Choux is a transformative project that revitalizes a forgotten, linear site situated between a canal and railway. The park’s design embraces these contrasting environments – humid riverside landscapes and dry, stony railway terrains – to create a diverse and inviting public space.

The park is foremost a groundwork project. It is built on a historic artificial platform that once supported the railway tracks, a platform that disconnects the site from the riverbanks, forming a physical barrier.  By levelling the ground into a series of cascading terraces, the design reestablishes a connection between the Halle aux Choux and the riverbanks. The retaining walls, paths, and benches, all laid out in a linear manner, recall the site’s past railways and structured organization.

At the core of the park is Saint-Omer’s new skatepark, developed in close collaboration with local skaters. It includes a bowl, street zone, and practice area, each tailored to different skill levels and users. Beyond the skatepark, the park offers a range of active spaces, encouraging movement, play, and community interaction.

Balancing ecological preservation with recreation, the park’s planting strategy introduces a rich variety of native species, transforming the former wasteland into a thriving, green environment. The design respects the existing biodiversity by recreating the site’s unique soil conditions, enabling rare species to flourish alongside new greenery.

Saint-Omer Territory being prone to flooding, water management is a critical concern. The terraced design and permeable surfaces maximize water absorption, while underground structural soil, composed of reclaimed materials, acts as a buffer to retain rainwater and support root development. By integrating these strategies, the park effectively mitigates flood risks while enhancing the landscape’s resilience.