The second phase of the construction of Brialmont Park in the Antwerp district of Berchem is complete, the opening party took place on Sunday 15 September 2024. The two parts of the large park, Wolvenberg and Brilschans, were given new places to stay on the water, new park paths, comfortable connections for cyclists, new play and sports facilities and more future natural value.

During the opening party, local residents took part in a guided walk through Brialmont Park. Natuurpunt went on a tour with a guide through the Wolvenberg nature reserve, and the designer of the renovated park gave a tour of the Brilschanspark and Wolvenberg nature park.

Alderman for Urban Development Annick De Ridder (N-VA): “The new Brialmont Park fits perfectly within the greening and blueing that we are pursuing with urban development this legislature. Think of places on the water, paths along the water and through the Wolvenberg-Brilschans nature reserve, and beautiful open green space to relax. In short, Park Brialmont is not only the green heart of Berchem, but also an oasis of green tranquility in the heart of a city that is bustling with life! Moreover, the park makes beautiful visual links to the Brialmont ramparts, a more than interesting chapter in our rich city history.”

Berchem district mayor Evi Van der Planken (N-VA): “The district started 10 years ago to shape this project. There were many separate, inaccessible green areas around the Antwerp Ring. With the Park Brialmont master plan, we have brought these green areas together in the heart of Berchem. Many Berchem districts border the park, which made a lot of extra nature accessible to the residents. In addition, we provided extra facilities: rest areas by the water, shady areas, a new playground, calisthenics equipment, table tennis, etc. Park Brialmont has thus become an example of what is possible with the other Ring parks in Antwerp.”

Archaeological excavations

Visitors could admire archaeological finds from the park while enjoying a drink. Brialmont Park was built on the remains of the Brilschans, one of the fortifications of the Brialmont ramparts. Since 2004, archaeological excavations have taken place at various locations on the site. 

Today, little of the military structure is visible on the surface, but underground there is plenty. Parts of this were made visible in the new wadis. In addition to the buildings, many utensils were also found, such as bottles, soldiers’ shoes, picks and wrenches, mess tins, inkwells, etc. 

They provide an insight into life around this place. From the construction workers who built the ramparts, the soldiers who lived and were stationed there, to the citizens who could enter and leave the city via the gates.

Nature house and park

At stands from the city and district, residents were given more information about the future Brialmont Nature House, a Flemish expertise centre for urban nature where Natuurpunt will start a nature education project. If everything goes according to plan, the construction of the Nature House will start at the end of 2024, and the works will take about a year. 

More was also told about Park Brialmont, the new fountains, the new playground and the calisthenics equipment. The real sports enthusiasts received a workshop on this strength training equipment under professional supervision.

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