ANTWERP | Start of construction of second phase of Berchem’s Park Brialmont

The construction of the second phase of the Antwerp district of Berchem‘s Park Brialmont – the remaining subzones of Wolvenberg and the Brilschanspark – has started. There will be places to stay on the water, new park paths, comfortable connections for cyclists, and zones for local events. If everything goes according to plan, the works will be completed in the spring of 2024.

The Wolvenberg Nature Park and the Grotesteenweg Entrance opened in 2020, as the first phase of the park.

Park Brialmont originated from a master plan that was created through a collaboration between the District of Berchem and the City of Antwerp. This was drawn up around the two major themes of nature and heritage, and connects the green parts of Berchem inside and outside the Ring (De Villegaspark, Wolvenberg and Brilschans) in a large ‘green heart’.

Alderman for Urban Development and chairwoman of AG Vespa, Annick De Ridder (N-VA): “We are fully committed to greening and blueing, just like with any urban development project. With places on the water, paths along the water and Through the Wolvenberg-Brilschans nature reserve and the beautiful open green space, it is wonderful to walk, play sports, relax… Park Brialmont stands for green tranquility in the heart of a city that is buzzing with life. We look forward to the opening next spring!”

District of Berchem mayor Evi Van der Planken (N-VA): “Park Brialmont brings together the De Villegaspark, Wolvenberg nature reserve and the Brilschanspark into one large ‘green lung’ centrally in Berchem. In 2020 we already completed the Wolvenberg nature park and the Grotesteenweg Entrance. Now we are starting the phase 2 of the works in the Brilschanspark and Wolvenberg nature reserve. We provide more natural value, more rest areas, a lot of attention to biodiversity and a smart use of water. In addition, we want to preserve the historical relief of the Brialmont rampart and the underlying fort, which is still the is most strongly present in the Brilschanspark, make it prominently visible again.”

Brilschanspark

In the Brilschanspark, the historic relief of the Fort Brialmont is the basis for creating a layered park with great respect for the valuable nature in the park.

Restore military landscape

The redoubt and the glacis will be more prominent again after the reconstruction.

The redoubt is the higher defense structure that provided protection for the lower barracks. The structure of the ramp is made experienceable again, with grass slopes. The fortress will provide an open and peaceful place where nature and heritage come together harmoniously.

The glacis, a dike-shaped structure around the moat, formed the first line of defense of the Fort Brialmont. The glacis can be partially restored, enhanced and equipped for various park functions. Where the glacis is intersected, this is emphasized with a slope, stairs or wall. The glacis is a place where nature takes priority.

Design

There will be two spots to enjoy the water.

At the tip of the Brilschansgracht there is a stepped sunbathing lawn with a view of the wooded fortress and the fountains in the canal.
At the end of the canal, near the cycling and walking bridge, a new place to stay. It will be constructed as a sheltered tree meadow on the water with an elongated view over the canal.

A deck bridge will be built in the canal, also as a reference to the military bridges that used to be built in the canal for training purposes.

The existing playground will make way for a completely new playground and there is also room for a calisthenics equipment (strength training).

For local events such as Bar Brilschans, a green amenity strip will be constructed in the glacis along Marcel Auburtinlaan. The cycling and walking bridge will have facilities for small-scale events, with a water and electricity point.

Cyclists will have a separated cycle path in brown-red asphalt on the outside of the park. Bicycle staples are placed at the main entrances. Bicycle traffic is therefore kept out of the park as much as possible.

The park paths are constructed on easily accessible semi-paved surfaces. The main path connects the most important places to stay on the glacis and along the canal, making them freely accessible to everyone. There will be sufficient benches along the main path and at the accommodation areas.

The Berchem Bridge, including the carousel, will be retained but will be better integrated into the military relief. The approach to the bicycle and pedestrian bridge will have low brick retaining walls, similar to the entrance to the Grotesteenweg. There will also be an additional staircase that will take walkers directly from the bridge into the park.

Wolvenberg

The nature and heritage experience is also promoted in the Wolvenberg nature reserve.

Natural value

The greatest natural value of Wolvenberg is located in the semi-open biotopes. The nature management plan (which the city drew up together with Natuurpunt and describes the intended nature goals and management for the next 30 years) has, among other things, the vision to gradually introduce more light into the central part. This gives herb-rich nature more opportunity to develop. In addition, the central part is supplied with water by deepening existing pools and constructing new pools. The denser forestation is maintained around the central part.

Path structure

The path network in the Wolvenberg nature reserve is being reviewed to prevent trespassing off the paths as much as possible, to protect nature. Decks are constructed on swampy soils. The path network forms a loop around the pond and the central area, passing the most interesting places that tell the story of heritage and nature. There will be lookout points along the path with benches and information boards.

Trees

A detailed nature inventory of the flora in Park Brialmont was carried out in 2020 to better understand the existing and potential natural values.

The natural value of each tree was assessed individually based on species, origin, age, size, health, ecological and landscape value. Based on the inventory, a green strategy was then drawn up for the park together with the service for greenery, and a nature management plan for the nature reserve together with Natuurpunt, parallel to the preparation of the design for Park Brialmont Phase 2. The ultimate goal was to enhance the natural value of the park. strengthen the entire area.

Forest stands containing exotic tree species with limited natural value or invasive character, such as robinia, American oak, honey tree or tree hazel, or planted cultivated trees, such as Italian poplar, are removed from the fortress. They make way for the expansion of valuable grasslands, native trees and shrubs with a higher nature value. Adapted ecological management for the further development of the grasslands is essential if this is to be successful.

Rainbow flag, City of Antwerp corporate logo and flag of Berchem.

Timing

The works in the Brilschanspark will take place in two phases. All dates are subject to good weather conditions and smooth progress of the works.

From October to December 2023:

construction of a bicycle connection between Grotesteenweg and Henri Prostlaan (behind the Encora school);
layout of the central part of the park (the ramp) and the Berchem Bridge area: greenery and construction of a decking bridge.

From January to April 2024:

design of the outside of the park (the glacis): landscaping and construction of a play area;
working on a bicycle connection between the Ring Cycle Path and the Berchem Bridge.

The works will temporarily cause inconvenience for cyclists and/or walkers, and a diversion will be provided on site.

The works in the Wolvenberg nature reserve are also taking place in two phases:

from mid-October to mid-November 2023: deepening and construction of amphibian pools;
from November 2023 to February 2024: redesign of the path network.

Access to the nature reserve is limited during the works. This will also be indicated on site by the contractor.

Partnership

The master plan for Park Brialmont was commissioned by the District of Berchem and the City of Antwerp and drawn up by CLUSTER and Witteveen+Bos, in consultation with Natuurpunt Antwerpen Stad. AG Vespa, the autonomous municipal company for real estate and urban projects in Antwerp, coordinates the development of Park Brialmont.

More information is available at https://www.agvespa.be/projecten/park-brialmont#over.