The works for the construction of Pomppark Zuid in Antwerp started at the end of May 2025. During the archaeological excavations, the archaeologists were pleasantly surprised: more remains of the Sint-Laureispoort have been preserved in good condition than initially thought. 

Part of the defensive structure at the gate, the caponier, was also uncovered. Together they form special remains of the 19th-century Brialmont ramparts around the city. The City of Antwerp is now investigating how they can be incorporated into the design of the park.

The works for the new Pomppark Zuid started a few weeks ago with, among other things, an archaeological investigation. After all, the new park will be built on the remains of two former city gates: the Kielsepoort and the Sint-Laureispoort. These formed two of the nineteen gates of the historic Brialmont ramparts.​

Because of the importance of this heritage, a preliminary study was carried out in 2022 to map the location and condition of the archaeological heritage. 

Based on this study, it was decided to include the remains of these two entrance gates in the design of the park. They form the two main entrances to the new park, the former passage is indicated by a cobblestone road, the location of the gatehouse by upright walls.

New finds ​

It was not expected that other, intact parts of the rampart would have been preserved. It now appears that remains of the four bridge piers, the bridgehead on the land side of the access road to the Sint-Laureispoort, two bridge piers of the access road to the Kielsepoort and the caponier between the two gates have also been preserved.

Acting Mayor Koen Kennis (N-VA): “In the 19th century Antwerp became the military capital of Belgium, better known as National Redoubt. The city was given a ring of fortifications consisting of a rampart and a fortress belt, the Brialmont rampart. This was demolished for the construction of the Ring and the Singel in the 1950s and 1960s. With the construction of the Ring Parks, the remains of the ramparts are now coming to the surface again and, where possible, they are being made permanently visible. We are now looking into whether it is possible to integrate these new archaeological remains into the design.” 

Strengthening heritage value

The unexpectedly well-preserved remains are an opportunity to strengthen the heritage value of the park. How the bridge and the caponier can be given a visible place in the future is now being investigated. The work for the construction of the park will continue in any case. In order to guarantee good preservation, the archaeological remains are now being covered in function of the temporary construction zone.

The research is being carried out by the archaeological company RAAP Belgium, in collaboration with the Antwerp municipal archaeology service.

Images here and here. 

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