ANTWERP | Opening of the second part of the Scheldt Quays at Sint-Andries and South

In July, the second part of the renovated public domain in the Sint-Andries (Saint Andrews) en Zuid (South) sub-area on the Scheldt Quays was been completed and opened.

It concerns the zone of 300 meters in length on the Scheldt, between the part that has already been redeveloped there and the Sint-Michielstraat. The brand new public domain mainly consists of sports and play areas, in which the historic southern flank of the former Saint Michael’s Bastion has been integrated.

In order to create a whole with the already renovated part, the current dike path has been extended. The city also installed various seating areas, a large playground, two paved sports fields (basketball and football) and a skate zone behind the dike.

Both along the side of the roadway and along the Scheldt, extra greenery has been provided, including birch, maple, black alder, tulip tree, poplar, oak, willow and elm.

Sint-Michielskaai has also been redeveloped with a wide footpath, a new bicycle path and a parking strip. The block lime trees along the facades have been replaced by field maples, which give the roots more room to grow. The lime trees along the restored harbor fencing have been preserved.

In the context of the realization of the Sigma Plan that protects Flanders against flooding from the tidal rivers, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv also replaced the flood defense wall with a sloping dike that has also been integrated into the public domain. As a result of this realization, there is now a connection with the already completed flood defence, as a result of which a full length of approximately 1.1 kilometers of the flood defense has been raised to the required height.

Alderman for Urban Development Annick De Ridder (N-VA): “Exactly four years after the spectacular start-up celebration of the works, we are now opening the Scheldt Quays Sint-Andries and South sub-area. We have resolutely opted for more greening and bluening here. With the integration of beautiful new seating areas, a playground, sports fields and skate zone, it is now wonderful to relax here by the water and among the greenery. In short, a perfect example of how we, as a city, are strengthening our ties with the Scheldt!”

In a third phase, the reconstruction will start from the newly renovated part to Sint-Jansvliet; this section will include a second dog walking zone.

Master plan Scheldt Quays

The interventions on the Scheldt quays are part of the Scheldt quays master plan.

De Vlaamse Waterweg nv and the city of Antwerp are thus working together on the reconstruction of the Scheldt quays. With the Sigma Project Scheldt Quays, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv is responsible for the stabilization of the quay wall and the construction of the new raised flood defence. AG Vespa is responsible for the construction of the public domain on behalf of the City of Antwerp.

“To date, Flanders has invested 190 million euros in the large-scale Antwerp Scheldt quays project. Investments that are necessary to protect the city of Antwerp against the forces of nature. Since 2014, the 7-kilometre long quay plain in Antwerp has been the scene of major works to protect the city against flooding from the Scheldt during storm tides. From the Droogdokkeneiland (Dry Dock Island) in the north to Blue Gate Antwerp in the south. The entire project is part of the Sigma Plan, in which we want to better protect Flanders against flooding from the Scheldt and its tributaries, while at the same time boosting the valuable Scheldt nature”, Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters (Open Vld) says.

“Within the realization of the Scheldt Quays Master Plan, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv is responsible for the stabilization of the Scheldt quays in Antwerp and the raising of the flood defenses within the framework of the Sigma Plan. In this zone of the Scheldt quays, we are at a crossroads of innovation and creativity, with a stabilized quay wall and a new flood defense integrated in a new public domain. This is how we turn the Antwerp quays into a water-safe and pleasant place on the water. Future-proof too, because the new flood defense will protect Antwerp against storm tides on the Scheldt for the next hundred years”, Chris Danckaerts, managing director of De Vlaamse Waterweg nv concludes.

History visible

The southern flank of the historic Sint-Michielsbastion is visibly integrated into the quay plain. In this way, a piece of the DNA of the quays becomes visible again. This stronghold from 1608 protected the south side of the city for centuries. After archaeological research and restoration, the monumental southern flank was incorporated as a sunken archaeological site along the promenade embankment.

Due to this location, the bastion will stand with the bottom in the water when it rains, a nod to the past, because the bastion used to be on the Scheldt.

As a result of the reconstruction, large-scale archaeological research was carried out in 2021 and 2022 into the remains of St. Michael’s Abbey. The processing of this research is in full swing and will provide new insights into the oldest history of this place.

Mayor of Antwerp Bart De Wever (NVA): “The Sint-Michielsbastion was built in 1608 after the Fall of Antwerp and in full battle between the Northern and Southern Netherlands for control of the city. Mayor Nicolaas Rockox ordered the construction after the attack in 1605 by the armies of Maurice of Nassau. Under the reign of Napoleon, the bastion was extensively modified and modernized with large blocks of blue stone to protect the naval port and shipyards from the attack on England. St Michael’s Bastion is an important reference to different periods in European history. The fortifications of the past can now be used as places for meeting and relaxation on the Scheldt.”

Budget

An urban budget of 8.6 million euros was provided in the long-term budget for the reconstruction of the entire Sint-Andries and South sub-area. In addition, the European Regional Development Fund invested 864,900 euros.

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