Transformation of the harness racing track in Recklinghausen becomes visible

In the north of the Ruhr metropolis, the town Recklinghausen is getting a new regional attraction and centre in the Hillerheide district. De Zwarte Hond was commissioned by SER (Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft Recklinghausen mbH) to design the new Heidesee lake on the former harness racing track. A new, lively urban quarter will arise on the site in the coming years, keeping the recognisable shape of the former racecourse for the lake.

Excavation has been completed and the outline of the future lake is now visible for the first time. The artificial lake of 5,5 hectare fulfils many functions as an ecological and technical structure: it provides an exceptional living quality, leisure and recreation, and cooling during the summer. In winter, the lake water can be used as a heat source and it adds retention capacity for heavy rainfall. After the initial filling of the lake it will be fed exclusively by rainwater collected in the neighbourhood.

For this project we collaborate with Landschaft planen + bauen NRW, Björnsen Beratende Ingenieure, DU Diederichs & Partner GmbH, HPC AG, Büro berg and BPR Ingenieure GmbH & Co. KG.