The City of Antwerp selected five design teams for the large-scale redevelopment of the Meir, the city’s most famous shopping street. They have submitted their design proposals. The city is now presenting these designs to the people of Antwerp and is organizing a survey.

The current state of the Meir and its outdated sewerage system make a complete redevelopment necessary. This project offers a unique opportunity to optimize the appearance (and associated visual quality) and use of the shopping axis.

Alderman for Public Domain Ken Casier (N-VA): “The most famous, largest and most visited shopping street in Antwerp is due for a major makeover. The need to renew the sewerage underground allows us to also get to work thoroughly above ground. In this way, we can sustainably transform our beloved shopping boulevard into a contemporary and pleasant green place to shop, enjoy a terrace or the surrounding valuable heritage.” 

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Sustainable and innovative renovation

The Meir and the two short streets that border it: Leysstraat and Jezusstraat will be completely redeveloped. The Twaalfmaandenstraat, the side street to the Handelsbeurs, will also be tackled. 

These streets are located in the heart of Antwerp’s core shopping area and form the central connection between Antwerp-Central Railway Station and the Scheldt Quays. 

The Meir and Leysstraat fall under the authority of the city of Antwerp, while Jezusstraat and Twaalfmaandenstraat fall under the authority of the District of Antwerp. The City of Antwerp, the District of Antwerp, Water-link in collaboration with Aquafin, Fluvius and De Lijn are working together on this redevelopment.

Paul Cordy (N-VA), mayor of the District of Antwerp: “Jezusstraat has seen a large number of works in and around the street in recent years. By giving the street a new look, Antwerp residents can discover that this is a pleasant gateway to the Meir.” 

The aim is to strengthen the Meir, the largest and most visited shopping street in Antwerp, as a shopping axis and to renew the stately boulevard sustainably and innovatively. 

This redevelopment works around more greenery, a smart collection and reuse of water and a new lighting vision that gives the Meir a grand appearance both during the day and at night.

Presentation of five designs

Five selected design teams got to work with these parameters. A digital survey will be held on these designs since Friday 7 to Sunday 16 March. Everyone can then provide feedback via www.antwerpenmorgen.be/meir. 

On Tuesday 11 March, anyone who wants to take a closer look at the proposals can also visit an information market at Shopping Stadsfeestzaal. ​

Planning and steps

The jury will select the winning design in April. After the board ratifies this decision, the winning team can start working on the further development of their competition design. For this purpose, they will use the ideas collected from the survey. The preliminary design is then expected in mid-2026.

The redevelopment itself will start at the beginning of 2028 at the earliest, in coordination with surrounding projects.

Practical information

• Digital survey from Friday 7 to Sunday 16 March. All information at www.antwerpenmorgen.be/meir.
• Everyone is welcome at the information market in the Grote Zaal of the Stadsfeestzaal on the Meir, on Tuesday 11 March from 2 to 6 PM.

Proposal A: Meirplaats (Meir Square)

“The Meir is more than a shopping street: it is a lively and historical vein in the heart of Antwerp. We respect the rich history and also build new heritage of the city. At the same time, we create a future-proof urban space in which climate adaptation, greening and living comfort are central.” 

“The Meir becomes Meirplaats or Meir Square: the project focuses on the unique spatial configuration of the Meir as an elongated square. A place where shopping, meeting and cultural experience go hand in hand, at any time of the day and in any season.

The Meir is an important conflict-free route in the city and requires a design tailored to people. It will be an open, barrier-free space with smooth passage. Functional elements (bicycle shed, benches, etc.) are clustered, creating an overview and freedom of movement. 

The proposal provides continuous passage for emergency services and also makes loading and unloading possible. There is space for parking spaces between the trees.

De Meirplaats offers a unique shopping and city experience that focuses on wonder. During the day, space for shoppers and strollers is maximized by a compact arrangement of furniture under the canopy. 

After closing time, the places and moments unfold, transforming De Meir in its full width and inviting other uses and spontaneous events. Noble plinths create space for play, art and interaction. Functional lighting provides an atmospheric night-time environment, while accent lighting reveals a new world after sunset.

De Meir is not only located in a historical context. It is part of it itself. The monumental character is emphasized by removing excess elements from the streetscape and creating perspectives to monumental facades. The floor also subtly refers to the historical urban expansion and the former canal. 

Generous trees and strategically placed architectural objects, moments, contribute to the monumentality and heritage of the city.

The Meir is undergoing a green transformation with new trees that provide shade and cooling and promote biodiversity. Trees are given sufficient space to grow, both above and below ground. Water can infiltrate into tree circles and rain gardens, and runoff water from the paving is drained to the ground. The floor is given a special identity with reused and robust materials.

Proposal B: Ready for a new Meir?

“There is work to be done on the shopping street. Because our Meir is ready to become more: a symbol of progress that respects its history. A place for new encounters. A top location that is ready for what is to come. Ready for better mobility in the street. For shopping in style. For refreshment on hot days. For a safe feeling in the middle of the night. Ready for a chat on a bench under a tree and a drink on a terrace by the water. Ready for an occasional party with our rich history as a backdrop. Ready for you and your vote.”

“Improving mobility is important for the redevelopment of the Meir. The renovated boulevard provides a better connection between Central Station and the Scheldt, improves pedestrian and bicycle traffic and ensures safe, accessible paths that remain lively both during the day and at night.”

“The Meir will become even more the place to meet or go to an event. The street invites you to relax, while works of art and cultural events make the street more beautiful. This creates a lively environment where you can both shop and just be together. And so every visit becomes a unique experience.”

The new design shows you the history of the Meir. The materials and lighting have been carefully chosen so that they match the beautiful facades. Works of art such as ‘The Hand‘ are given a more beautiful place. This shows that the Meir is cultural heritage.

The design has many trees, green spaces and even a water feature. This provides shade, refreshment and healthy air. The materials for the street have been chosen so that they last a long time. This way, our children’s children can also enjoy this street.

Proposal C: From shopping street to green city artery: the transformation of the Antwerp Meir

The iconic Antwerp Meir is undergoing a major change. 

“The Meir will become a lively, green and climate-proof boulevard. On warm days, the green islands offer cooling and quiet places to relax. You can walk and cycle safely and comfortably on the car-free boulevard. On the new Meirplein you can enjoy water features and art. And in the evening, the historic buildings come to life thanks to smart lighting. These innovations make the Meir an attractive green city artery that respects the past and is at the same time completely ready for the future.”

The city centre of Antwerp will mainly be a place for pedestrians and cyclists, with the Via Sinjoor as an important connection. The new design is completely geared towards this. For example, there will be comfortable cycle and walking paths, new planting and places to rest. Attention is also paid to the difference between slow and fast road users. 

“Both cyclists and walkers can enjoy the new boulevard smoothly and safely. After sunset, you can clearly recognize the different zones by the lighting. This way, the evening on the Meir also becomes a pleasant experience.”

“The Meir will become so much more than a shopping street. A cool coffee bar on the corner, cool resting places at beautiful heritage buildings and terraces where you can enjoy a snack and drink until late in the evening. Water will play an important role and provide extra atmosphere. Various islands with benches and bicycle sheds provide clarity and convenience. We will redesign the Meir and Jezusstraat so that their historical relationship is tangible again. And we will connect the Leysstraat with De Keyserlei and the central station.”

“The rich architecture and heritage values ​​of the Meir will once again receive the attention they deserve. At every hour of the day, because after sunset we will illuminate the beautiful buildings.”

• “By dealing with lighting in a careful manner, we pay attention to heritage. For example, we do this by illuminating important facades.”
• “We make heritage such as the Stadsfeestzaal clearly visible. We clearly highlight the architectural beauty.”
• “We choose materials with a timeless and elegant look. Comfortable natural stone paving that matches the Antwerp city centre forms the basis. In special places, such as the Meirplaats, we choose extra special materials.”

The renovated Meir has a good balance between green and paving. The planting in the islands offers security, atmosphere and cooling on hot days. We retain the rainwater underground to allow the planting to grow and flourish. Above-ground infiltration is limited in the busy city centre. That is why we apply a combination of buffering, infiltration and reuse of rainwater.

Proposal D: Revolution of the Meir

“The Meir is ready for a new revolution. After the Meir was made car-free in 1993 (the first revolution), we are now designing a Meir that is ready for the next 100 years. A Meir that is more than just a shopping street. A green boulevard that connects the city and that gives space to the people of Antwerp and all visitors, at all hours of the day. A Meir with different layers and faces, where you can experience, shop… Where you can discover history. Where you get Meir for your money… A new identity for the Meir.”

“A green boulevard connects important places in the city, from Groenplaats to the Central Station. The Via Sinjoor plays a fundamental role in the city due to its location. Not only from east to west, but also north-south it connects important places: museums, culture, schools and buildings such as the Handelsbeurs, Opera, Bourla, … are connected within an extensive slow network.”

“The renovated Meir is blossoming into a vibrant boulevard that welcomes a wide audience, not just shoppers. The monotonous profile is broken, experiences are added: an attractive green structure, various places of use, a route along the history of Antwerp, a place for everyone, even after the shops close.”

“An architectural boulevard reveals the heritage value and orchestrates a fascinating experience. Few people have an eye for what shines above the shop windows. On the Meir, a route is created with many sight lines and subtle references to the rich history (both in the facades and in the materialization). A Cabinet of Curiosities appears in the cityscape. Adapted lighting is of great importance. A vibrant Meir, not only during the day, but also when the moon shines.”

“A revolution for 100 years. The ambition is clear: increased biodiversity in the city and more space for water. A greener Meir means less stress, more relaxation and a place where people want to stay, without being dependent on cooled retail spaces. These new places, where urban activity and climate adaptation go hand in hand, make the Meir more attractive than ever.”

Proposal E: The Meir as an open living room

“The Meir is an ‘urban open living room’ for meeting, flow, shopping and rest. It adapts to the rhythm of the city and welcomes everyone with its cultural heritage and ever-changing sensory stimuli. Shaped by time, seasons and urban energy, it invites the collective use and appropriation of a flexible, climate-sensitive and comfortable urban space. Beautiful reused materials, creative patterns and lighting define the ‘ballroom’, an urban square that gives the Meir back its domestic monumentality during the day and at night. Here, urban life unfolds in all its liveliness and diversity.”

“The Meir is an important link in the urban network of Antwerp, but more than that. Our vision emphasizes the need for continuity of materials throughout the width of the Meir, including the transverse streets. A granite mosaic surface, a classic Antwerp pedestrian material, connects flows through the Meir.”

“Meir can become a lively, mixed space with terraces, cafés and housing above shops, according to the policy ‘Living above shops’. The shift from retail to experiential spaces is supported by squares and local interventions, creating a dynamic urban centrality. 

Three episodes punctuate Meir: the Van Dyck statue and the KdG entrance with space and trees; the Wapper entrance, which extends to Meir for performances and a kiosk; and a transforming ‘ballroom’ at the western gate, a lively city square.

Monumental boulevard

“The Meir is a collective monument, defined by intriguing architectural contrasts from baroque, neoclassical to modern. Together with the wide strip of granite tiles against the historical facades, a finer granite mosaic pattern emphasizes the curvature of Meir. It reveals connections with courtyards and historical buildings and extends Meir beyond its facades.”

“The Meir adapts to climate change with improved water management, resilient planting and shaded areas. New trees, including flowering species, provide more cooling. Strategies for water buffering, infiltration and reuse ensure sustainability. Maximum reuse of materials and urban furniture supports this, while preserving the aesthetics and elegance of Antwerp.”

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