Experience

City of Antwerp selects design team for redevelopment of Koningin Astridplein

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The City of Antwerp, in collaboration with water supplier Water-link, bus and tram operator De Lijn and the train operator NMBS / SNCB, selected design team Bureau Bas Smets to work out the redevelopment of Koningin Astridplein or Queen Astrid Square. 

Four design agencies submitted a competition design in June of this year, after which the board selected the proposed design based on the quality of the concept and the vision formation. The results of the population survey will be passed on to the design team. 

The residents of Antwerp will also be asked for their opinion in subsequent phases, up to the final design that is expected in the spring of 2027.

The design agency presents a smart, flexible and compact transport hub for Astridplein, where different forms of mobility are given a clear place and route. The renovated Astridplein will offer a safe place to relax and responds to challenges such as mobility, climate and safety. 

The design is inspired by the historical green design for the Astridplein and gives it a modern look. There will be cooling, a good organization of the square with clear routes for the users, both above and below ground. The climate ambitions have been clearly elaborated, for example by planting more trees and collecting and reusing rainwater.

Alderman for Public Domain Erica Caluwaerts (OL-A): “With this design we make the Koningin Astridplein greener and more functional, with special attention to safety. We strengthen the historical character and at the same time tackle the climate challenges, so that we create a future-proof space for all Antwerp residents. At every important step, from concept to final design, we involve the residents again. In this way, the final design really becomes a design by and for the residents.” 

Underground, the bicycle parking facility will be completely renovated, with new recognisable entrances from Astridplein that will better connect to the circulation on and around the square. The underground connections with the pre-metro stops Astrid and Diamant will also be improved.

Koningin Astridplein.

Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA): “It is clear that the new design must take into account the demand for a safe and clear infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport. A more comfortable access to the bicycle parking facility is also a justified request that we must meet.”

Alderman for the Environment Tatjana Scheck (Vooruit): “The City must take responsibility for preparing its public space for the future. In addition to a climate-proof environment, Koningin Astridplein must also become a pleasant place for our residents and its visitors. This design has the potential to make Astridplein a pleasant and functional gateway to our beautiful city.”

Survey of competition designs

At the end of June, everyone could discover the four designs. An online survey was conducted and interested parties could also view the designs on Koningin Astridplein itself and give their opinion on what they liked or disliked about the designs. 

A total of 2,793 people responded to the survey. Approximately the same number of men (54%) and women (46%) gave their opinion. 18% of respondents indicated that they lived in the vicinity of the square. Many responses were also received on the city’s social media.

The most important themes for respondents were:

  • Greening and blueing: the type of green, the amount of green, water recovery, cooling places, smart water collection;
  • Functionality: traffic circulation was particularly discussed within this theme. Clear and safe routing for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport;
  • Accessibility to the premetro, car park and bicycle shed; 
  • Aesthetics: the various specific design elements in the designs such as the large canopy or the red elements , but also the view of the facade of Antwerp-Central Railway Station (or the lack thereof);
  • Maintenance and cleanliness: a point of attention that was reflected in all designs and to which the people of Antwerp attach great importance.

A summary of these comments will be submitted to the design team at the start of the design process and will be reflected in the further design process.

Further progress

From the second half of October, the design agency will start working on the further elaboration of the competition design. The people of Antwerp will be questioned again for all interim milestones such as concept and preliminary design. This will make it a definitive design for and by the residents.

The definitive design is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2027, and the start of the works in the autumn of 2028.

All background information can be found at www.antwerpenmorgen.be/astridplein.

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