ANTWERP | Opening of the middle part of Zuidpark

Last week the City of Antwerp opened the second part of the brand new Zuidpark or South Park on the Gedempte Zuiderdokken. It concerns the central part between the Gillisplaats and the Museumstraat, the area above the former Schippersdok. The entire 7-hectare park will be completed by spring 2024.

The middle part of the Zuidpark, like the other two parts, is about three times the size of the Groenplaats.

In addition to a large grassy meadow in the middle (approximately one and a half football fields in size) and two water basins, this zone also provides a pedestrian promenade between the continuous double row of trees and lots of greenery. There will also be two large circular benches, which will only be installed in about two weeks due to a delay at the supplier. Finally, the adjacent streets, the Vlaamse- and Waalsekaai, have also been redeveloped near this section.

The large, open area with grass will provide breathing space. The two water basins are located on the side of the Waalsekaai and will function not only as relaxation areas, but also as buffer and infiltration basins for rainwater. On one side they are bordered by a spacious staircase below which the historic quay wall is located. The other side was planted.

Annick De Ridder (N-VA), Alderman for Urban Development and chairperson of AG VESPA: “In 1969, the Zuiderdokken was closed and a stone square was built. 54 years later, a completely new park of 7 hectares, the Zuidpark, is being built here in the heart of the city. of which we are now opening the second part. Above the former Schippersdok you will now find a pedestrian promenade between a double row of trees, a large grass meadow the size of 1.5 football pitch, two water basins, one of which has a staircase and many new plants. the greening and blueing that we strive for with every urban development project. We now look forward to the completion of the fully finished Zuidpark in the spring of 2024.”

Reuse of rainwater

The greenery in the Zuidpark is maintained with water from the large rainwater well that is located between the Waterpoort and the Waalsekaai. It can store approximately 1.5 million liters of water from the surrounding roofs. The excess rain on the Vlaamsekaai and Waalsekaai is then diverted to the water basins.

Work final stage

In the meantime, the works for the third and final phase, between the Scheldestraat and the Wapenstraat, continue above the former Kooldok.

This part, like the first part (Steendok), provides space for playgrounds, a quiet garden, a communal garden and a rain garden. There will also be a dog walking zone. At the head, on the Scheldestraat, part of the park is covered by a former hangar of the Scheldt Quays. The end of these works and therefore the delivery of the entire park is planned for the spring of 2024.