The redevelopment of the Scheldt Quays on the Right Bank in Antwerp at the planned new bicycle and walking bridge will be part of that Scheldt Bridge project. In this way, the coherence of both projects is optimized. The construction of the bridge is used to create a new, lively public space in a unique location on the Scheldt, suitable for a wide range of activities and audiences.

Within The Great Connection – De Grote Verbinding – a Scheldt Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians will be provided in the south of the city, near the J.F. Kennedy Tunnel. 

This bridge will bring the left and right banks closer, smoother and more comfortably together, and together with the new Scheldt tunnel next to the Oosterweel Connection in the north of the city, complete the bicycle ring around Antwerp. In this way, she contributes to realizing the proposed modal shift in the Antwerp region.

The Antwerp Council of Mayor and Aldermen now decided to have the redesign of the Scheldt Quays on the right bank near the bridge carried out within the same assignment as the construction of the Scheldt Bridge, in order to optimize the coherence of both projects. 

The project definition clarifies which specific ambitions and guidelines the future designers of the cyclist and pedestrian bridge over the Scheldt and the project area on the right bank of the Scheldt will receive. After all, the construction of the bridge offers the opportunity to develop the immediate surroundings into a new, meaningful public location for Antwerp.

Unique location

The Scheldt Bridge with its connection to the Rright Bank is located in a prime location within the city. It forms the intersection and intersection between the Scheldt quays on the right bank and the Ring Parks, the transition from the public Scheldt quays to an industrial estate (Blue Gate), and the connection to the Left Bank for cyclists and pedestrians.

The City of Antwerp wants to make maximum use of this unique location.

Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA): “The bridge will be so much more than a mobility project. It will also become a lever for many positive developments in the field of local economy, recreation, catering, events, sports and games and even tourism.”

Taking advantage of all possibilities

The project area on the right bank will have a variety of programs. The aim is to stimulate the vibrancy of the place and to attract and facilitate a multitude of commuters and visitors.

Pedestrians, together with cyclists, are the main users of the new public space that will be created. A spacious and comfortable pedestrian network will ensure an optimal connection between the Scheldt Bridge and the Nieuw Zuid, Ringpark Zuid and Blue Gate projects. Pedestrians will be given plenty of space in this quay zone.

The location as the end point of the walking routes along the Scheldt and through Ringpark Zuid and the unique view of the Antwerp roadstead make it an ideal place to be set up as a stopping place. This will be done by providing waiting, resting and seating facilities with a view of the city and the river, accessible to commuters at times when the bridge cannot be used due to the passage of ship traffic.

The city’s ambition is to design the space under the bridge infrastructure as a smart shell that makes various uses possible. There may be room for classic catering activities, cultural events, concerts and/or nightlife.

The space created as a result of the location of the bridge should make it possible to organize small to medium-sized events, and will also allow permanent functions for sports and games to be planned. The square and park elements will be designed accordingly.

The design of the bridge itself must also provide added value for the liveliness of the area. The balustrade of the bridge will be provided with viewing options and a viewing platform that make it clear that the bridge is more than just a traffic connection.

More information

All information about De Grote Verbinding, the Scheldt Bridge and the Ring Parks can be found at www.degroteverbinding.be.

On the look of Antwerp

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• Antwerp to redevelop Sint-Anneke Beach.
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