Experience

ANTWERP | Spatial implementation plan for the area around the Scheldt Bridge landing site on the right bank

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The Council of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Antwerp approved the process and start note for a municipal spatial implementation plan (RUP) D’Herbouville. The City is seizing the opportunity of the future construction of the Scheldt Bridge to upgrade the space on the right bank under and next to the bridge on the D’Herbouvillekaai, including a multifunctional building. The final design of this RUP will be available in early 2026, if everything goes smoothly.

With the construction of the Scheldt Bridge, an important cycling and walking junction will be created just outside the urban fabric. 

The City wants to expand the possibilities of functions at this strategic location near the new cycling bridge. This is to make the area attractive and lively, in order to increase the sense of social security.

The realisation of the nearby Ringpark Zuid, the redevelopment of the adjacent Scheldekaaien Nieuw Zuid, and the future possibilities in the zone for urban activities also make this area an ideal place to develop as a high-quality public space.

The city therefore also wants to allow limited construction in the redevelopment of the part of the quays at the new bridge in order to allow certain public-oriented functions. 

This development helps to create an interesting place to stay and meet at this location 24/7. 

This type of building can already be realised in the zone for urban activities. With the RUP D’Herbouville, the possible location of such a building is extended to the non-buildable zone at the J.F. Kennedy Tunnel, so that a qualitative connection between the building, the public domain on the quays, and the connections to the bicycle and pedestrian networks becomes possible. 

The realisation of the bicycle bridge itself is not part of this RUP.

Multifunctional shell building

The city wants to make the construction of a multi-purpose building possible within the project area of ​​the current RUP.

The activities will respond to passers-by, cyclists and users of the redesigned quays, the waiting area and landing zone of the bicycle bridge. In addition, the need for additional space for evening functions can also be met.

Alderman for Mobility and Heritage Koen Kennis (N-VA): “The Scheldt Bridge will make an extremely important contribution to the modal shift of the city and region. This bicycle bridge will create an attractive and safe connection between both banks and forms the final part of a real bicycle ring around Antwerp. In this way, we strengthen the mobility and the liveability of our city. In addition, we want to make a building possible here, close to the bicycle bridge on the right bank, that can flexibly accommodate various functions. Think for example of a restaurant, café, leisure facilities and community functions. That fits perfectly into the parish hall model that we are pursuing with our heritage.” 

Alderman for Urban Development Patrick Janssens (Vooruit): “With the arrival of the Scheldt Bridge, we are not only creating a smooth connection, but also a pleasant new meeting place in the city. We want to develop this zone into a lively space where passers-by can take a break, have a drink and enjoy the surroundings. A place that invites you to linger for a while and experience the Scheldt in a new way.”

Information session

On Tuesday 1 April between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, the city is organising a continuous public information session to explain the plans in Circuit, Jef Cassiersstraat 29, 2000 Antwerp (Nieuw Zuid).

The final design of the RUP is expected in early 2026. More information about this spatial implementation plan will be available at www.antwerpen.be (search for ‘RUP D’Herbouville’).

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