ANTWERP | Upgrade for Koning Albertpark triangle

Flemish tram and bus company De Lijn, the City of Antwerp, the Roads and Traffic Agency or Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer (AWV) and Water-link signed a cooperation agreement for the upgrading of the environment of the King Albert Park (Koning Albertpark). This ambitious project includes a series of planned interventions and an integral design plan for the entire triangle, formed by the Koningin Elisabethlei, the Prins Albertlei and part of the Mechelsesteenweg.

A number of crucial interventions are planned at that location in the coming years:

De Lijn will renew the tram tracks on the Grotesteenweg – Mechelsesteenweg axis;
Harmonie tram and bus stop will be transformed into a regional mobility hub.
The sewers of the entire project area will be renewed.

Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA): “The entire area around the King Albert Park will undergo a metamorphosis. Road safety is a priority. We will provide more legible intersections, nicer cycle paths and more comfortable tram stops. This will be a win/win for pedestrians and cyclists. , car drivers, public transport users and local residents.”

Momentum for change

The planned works offer a unique opportunity to tackle these bottlenecks together. The City of Antwerp and its partners have the ambition to achieve a quality leap for the entire King Albert Park triangle. By drawing up an integrated design plan for the public space and carrying out the works in phases, the partners want to lift the quality of life and functionality of this area to a higher level.

Alderman for Public Domain Erica Caluwaerts (OL-A): “Our public space and parks are used intensively by residents and visitors. This also applies to the paths in the King Albert Park and Harmony Park (Harmoniepark). It is crucial that we prepare this park structure for the future efficiently, purposefully and with respect for quality of life and functionality. And we do this in close consultation with the residents around the King Albert Park”.

Phasing and cooperation

De Lijn, the City of Antwerp, AWV and Water-link will first appoint a design agency. In a first phase, a concept is drawn up for the entire project area. The city attaches great importance to the participation of residents, visitors and passers-by. In this way, the needs and wishes are identified from the start.

Work will then continue on a design, which will be further developed into sub-projects.

“The close collaboration between De Lijn, the City, the Districts of Antwerp and Berchem, AWV and Water-link will ensure a sustainable transformation of the Albertpark triangle.”