Integrating Green Infrastructure into Lille’s urban landscape

The natural heritage and landscape of Lille is varied, composed of parks, gardens, wastelands and wetlands, soils and fortifications – each a reservoir of biodiversity. Yet, the pressure of urbanisation is placing these under threat, with the increase in grey infrastructure enhancing future risks associated with flooding, drought, and heat stress. More green infrastructure (GI) needs to be integrated into Lille’s urban landscape to mitigate these risks.

The focus of the project will be the implementation of a package of individual greening projects in priority areas and neighbourhoods, identified in relation to three key factors:

1. Heat-stress levels;
2. High population density and
3. Specific socio-economic challenges.

In 3 high priority inner city urban areas 300 trees will be planted. The creation of 1000 pits for climbing plants and other forms of micro-vegetation, such as the use of planters for additional vegetation, will be implemented in 3 priority residential neighbourhoods. In addition, 3000 trees will be planted in micro-afforestation projects in 3 areas situated between the city centre and more suburban areas. These micro-afforestation projects take advantage of the greater space for planting and further mitigate against the impacts of heat stress across the city.

Through strong community engagement, the pilot will build more sustainable communities by addressing major environmental issues. Residential consultations will play a key part in the greening of neighbourhoods. Through the pilot, 60 community events will be held where residents can participate in the tree and vegetation planting activities. 

The Pilot will build climate resilience at a neighbourhood level; the focus will be on reducing heat stress in vulnerable communities, but other climate risks targeted include reducing localised flood risk and improving air quality.