ANTWERP | Wapper to feature water and be more open to offer a view on the Rubens House

The City of Antwerp wants to redesign the Wapper, the iconic elongated square centrally on the Meir, into a new and contemporary city square. It should become a logical and inviting link on Via Sinjoor.

Future Wapper. Rendering by: OMGEVING/De Urbanisten.

The preliminary design made a number of adjustments to the concept design, such as more space for passage and additional benches. There will be a new information moment in spring 2024. If everything goes according to plan, the final design will follow in the autumn.

In June 2023, the council approved the concept design for the reconstruction of the Wapper. In August, the city asked for feedback from local entrepreneurs. This was followed by a digital consultation period for the broader public from the end of August to mid-September. The OMGEVING/De Urbanisten design team then started working on the city’s ambitions and the input collected.

Changes from the concept design

In the preliminary design that has now been approved, some changes have been made compared to the concept design:

The dimensions of the walking spaces along the facades have been widened so that there is more space for passage. The wider walking space also provides more space for the fire brigade and to facilitate loading and unloading on the square (within the window times).
There will again be terraces on the entire square, in the form of facade and island terraces. Their location has been adjusted.
There will be benches in the central living area, both in the sun and in the shade. They are also equipped with armrests and backrests. The planting areas provide additional greening and beautification of the square.
The square is left open at the Rubens House for a beautiful view of the facade. There will also be benches with a view of the Rubens House.

Interventions for the climate, above and below ground

De Wapper is currently a largely paved square with little greenery. A lot of extra greenery has therefore been included in the preliminary design. This intervention provides shady and pleasant seating under the trees.

In the 15th century, the underground canal, which still runs under the Wapper, brought clean drinking water to the city. Because of its historical value, the underground structure of the moult will remain intact. It will also work as a rainwater buffer, in line with the city’s Water Plan. Above ground, the moulting is made visible by a central water feature, in which the purified rainwater from the underground rainwater buffer will flow in a closed and circular system. The design not only brings cooling to the city center, but also breathes new life into the historical significance of the Wapper.

Councilor for Public Domain Erica Caluwaerts (independent): “De Wapper is a well-known square in Antwerp thanks to the iconic Rubens House. Where grey stones and cold concrete now predominate, the reconstruction promises a green environment with a nod to the rich past of the Wapper thanks to a new water element. The Wapper played an important role in Antwerp‘s water supply from the Middle Ages. New trees, wide planting areas and a play fountain will revive the square. The restored facade of the Rubens House will also be given a new and special place in the current design. In short, the redesign of this square promises a pleasant environment for passers-by, traders and visitors to the surrounding catering industry.”

Next steps

The intention is now to further refine the city’s ambitions regarding daily use, climate and archeology, and to develop the design technically.

An information moment will follow on 26 February for Antwerp residents and involved stakeholders of the Wapper who want to discover the preliminary design. If everything goes according to plan, the final design will be ready in the autumn of 2024.

Visit www.antwerpenmorgen.be/wapper for more information, click here for the direct link to the information moment.