On 17 July 2025, the public space along the River Scheldt near the Nieuw Zuid or New South neighbourhood in Antwerp was officially opened. This redesigned section of the Scheldt Quays has been transformed into a brand-new 5.5-hectare park featuring abundant greenery and water features, multiple play, sports and relaxation areas, and a dog run zone.

The redevelopment of this public space is located along the Scheldt Quays near Nieuw Zuid, between the already completed section near Sint-Andries (St. Andrew) – Het Zuid (The South) and the J.F. Kennedy cycling tunnel. The area covers 750 metres in length and spans 5.5 hectares. As part of the works, the cycle path in this zone has also been completely renewed, allowing cyclists to once again ride along the Scheldt in a straight line.

Alderman for Urban Development Patrick Janssens (Vooruit): “What we are opening today is much more than a park. It is the tangible result of a vision the city has pursued with determination for more than 15 years: to return the Scheldt Quays to the people of Antwerp. With its hundreds of trees and smart water management, this section of the quays is not only a meeting place but also a powerful response to the need for cooling in a changing climate.”

Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Annick De Ridder (N-VA): “Thanks to a well-thought-out partnership between Flanders and the City of Antwerp, this stretch of quays has become a green oasis in a densely built-up city. The park offers plenty of space for meeting and relaxation, literally beside the Scheldt. For this beautiful open space by the water, we have combined ‘beauty’ with safety by stabilising the historic quay wall and raising the flood barrier.”

Alderman for Green Spaces Ken Casier (N-VA): “Along the Scheldt quays at Nieuw Zuid, a stunning new 5.5-hectare park has been created, with 426 new native trees and 29,000 new shrubs, bushes and (aquatic) plants. It’s the perfect place for walking, sports or play among greenery or along the flood barrier with views of the Scheldt. Not only Nieuw Zuid, but all of Antwerp has gained a fantastic new spot with this ‘Park by the Stream’!”

5.5 hectares of open green space in the city

Stretching between the redesigned section at Sint-Andries – Het Zuid and the Kennedy cycling tunnel is now a park zone of no less than 750 metres long.

Antwerp has gained a waterfront park with a varied design: some areas offer more open space, while others are planted with diverse greenery. The city aims to meet residents’ wishes to green the quays.

In total, 426 new native trees have been planted, including willows, elms, hazel, oaks and maples. In the orchard, cherry trees and apple and pear trees have been added, whose fruit will later be free to pick. Over 29,000 new shrubs, bushes and (aquatic) plants have also been planted here.

Park design

The park’s design creates different experiences of the Scheldt: the footpath runs through greenery and water, sometimes shaded by trees, sometimes along the edge of the flood barrier with open views of the river. 

The dike path near Sint-Andries and Zuid extends about 100 metres into the new park before transitioning into informal, winding trails. The blue stone cobblestone strip from Sint-Andries and Zuid continues throughout.

Space for play, sports and relaxation

To maximise greenery, other park functions such as sport, play and leisure are clustered in three main areas. The park offers something for everyone: play zones with wooden beams and climbing frames, fitness equipment, four pétanque courts and an 800 m² dog run. 

A large lawn is screened from the road by a steel structure supporting climbing plants. This lawn invites picnics, play or simply relaxing in nature. Numerous seating and meeting areas offer opportunities to unwind, including six unique seating platforms on a grassy slope overlooking the Scheldt.

Two park pavilions are still under construction. One will feature an elevated viewpoint over the Scheldt; the other is designed like a greenhouse. Both will receive an appropriate function, such as a small café or community space.

Water channels and water forest

Water plays a central role in the park, helping to reduce heat stress and provide cooling in the city.

At the park’s centre are visible water channels totalling 300 metres in length. Further south is a pond with an underground basin capable of storing up to 290,000 litres of rainwater, which will be reused for irrigation. 

Nearby, a ‘water forest’ has been planted. On the wetter side of the flood barrier grow trees such as willows and black alders, along with plants able to withstand regular flooding. This is the park’s most adventurous section, with rugged stone elements recycled from works on the Royerssluis (Royers Lock).

New raised food barrier

To better protect Antwerp against possible flooding from the Scheldt, the historic quay wall in this section has been stabilised, and the flood barrier raised from 8.35 to 9.25 metres TAW. 

In the northern and central parts, mainly dikes provide the barrier function, while in the southern part this is ensured by underground retaining walls. These measures are part of the Sigma Plan, which invests in water safety and nature development in response to climate change.

Flanders invested a total of €70 million for the quay wall stabilisation and flood barrier renewal in the Nieuw Zuid zone.

Partnership

De Vlaamse Waterweg nv and the City of Antwerp are working together on the redevelopment of the Scheldt Quays. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv is responsible for stabilising the quay wall and constructing the new raised flood barrier. AG Vespa, the autonomous municipal company for real estate and city projects, oversees the development of public space on behalf of the city.

The Nieuw Zuid section of the Scheldt Quays was designed by PROAP, WIT architecten and Sweco, and constructed by Stadsbader nv. Partners include water-link in collaboration with Aquafin.

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