The construction of Pomppark Zuid, the first subproject of Ringpark Groene Vesten, has begun. The City of Antwerp aims to create a new park for the neighbourhood by transforming the existing green space into a beautifully landscaped recreational area. Nature, water, recreation, heritage, and noise reduction will all play a central role. If all goes according to plan, the works will be completed by the end of 2026.

With this design, the City of Antwerp is realising the first project within Ringpark Groene Vesten, in its southern section: Pomppark Zuid lies between the Antwerp-South Railway Station, the railway tracks, the Desguinlei (Singel), and the Jan Van Rijswijcklaan, where a green zone with a dog park already exists. The new park will cover nearly 7.6 hectares—more than ten football pitches.

Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA): “Today, we break ground on the very first Ringpark on Antwerp’s right bank! Pomppark Zuid will be over ten football pitches in size, filled with lush greenery and play areas—including for dogs! Moreover, we honour our past here with references to the Kielsepoort and Sint-Laureinspoort gates from the former Brialmont fortifications.”

Alexander D’Hooghe, Coordinator of the Antwerp Ring Cover Project: “After nearly ten years of collaboration, we are now starting construction on Pomppark Zuid. I would like to sincerely thank the entire community of designers, citizens, civic groups, experts and authorities for their cooperation, which has led to this fantastic outcome. The train of the Ringparks has left the station. In the coming years, the City of Antwerp can expect a transformation of the Ring zone.”

Pump Station as the heart of the park

The existing pumping station, which keeps the Ring free from rain and groundwater, will become the heart of the park—hence the name Pomppark Zuid. The surrounding zone will also be the quietest part of the park, as it sits at the lowest point, nearly 8 metres below street level at the Singel, and is shielded by a noise barrier.

The large and visually striking pumping facility already attracts attention, and this will only increase in future. At this location, a grassy seating hill with tiered concrete seating will be constructed, offering a beautiful view of the pumping screws and the central square below.

Greenery and water

The design of Pomppark Zuid preserves and integrates as much of the existing greenery and valuable trees as possible. New planting will include grasslands, shrubs, and trees. Two large grassy areas will serve as gathering spots for the neighbourhood.

A notable feature is that all rainwater will be collected and allowed to infiltrate on site. Runoff from the Singel will partly drain into and infiltrate the park. Groundwater pumped by the station will eventually be purified and reused.

Play area

A central play zone will be located between the Kielsepoort and the pumping station, using the natural slope of the terrain as a play feature. The play zone will include a tube slide, a stilt course across a wadi, and climbing and seating logs in the denser wooded part of the park. 

The sandpit will feature a water play device connected to a rainwater tank fed by the pumping station’s roof. In dry weather, the structure can still be used as a sand play area.

Off-leash zone for dogs

Pomppark Zuid will include a large off-leash dog area of 3,200 m², with six benches and two picnic tables. The current play infrastructure for dogs will be relocated to this new zone.

Heritage

Heritage plays a key role in the park design, especially the remnants of the former Brialmont fortifications. Research has identified which remains lie underground and how they can be incorporated into the park. The park is located where two former gates once stood: the Kielsepoort and the Sint-Laureinspoort.

Their precise locations will be marked and function as park entrances. Their shapes will be indicated with clay brick walls. A 3-metre-wide straight path of sawn cobblestones will run through the centre of each gate structure, representing the original passageway. A blue stone engraving will display a map of the entire Brialmont fortification.

Noise mitigation

Noise barriers will be installed between the railway and the park, making it a more pleasant place to spend time by reducing noise from the nearby Ring road and railway. 

The barriers will consist of gabions filled with a specific type of stone, the acoustic benefits of which have been studied by Ghent University. The final research into the best materials and structure for these barriers is currently being completed.

Connection to Antwerp-South Railway Station

Pomppark Zuid will connect on its western side via a platform to the renovated Antwerp-South station. This platform will include space for shared mobility services. Underneath, an ecological corridor will be created leading towards the future Ringpark Zuid, with dead hedges to guide animals, and tree stumps providing shelter. Such ecological connections will be a feature of all the Ringparks.

Partners and timeline

AG Vespa, Antwerp’s autonomous municipal company for real estate and urban projects, is coordinating Ringpark Groene Vesten. Contractor Stadsbader is executing the works based on a design by Sweco-Latz-Greisch-SWP.

If everything proceeds smoothly, the works will be completed by the end of 2026.

Subproject of Ringpark Groene Vesten

Pomppark Zuid is the first subproject of Ringpark Groene Vesten, a park designed to link existing and new ‘Vestenparks‘. 

The entire Ringpark Groene Vesten will span around 136 hectares—nearly 190 football pitches—and stretch along both sides of the Ring from Antwerp-South Railway Station to the E34/E313 junction at the border of Borgerhout and Deurne. It will transform this section of the Ring into a green living space for the surrounding neighbourhoods and the city.

The design of Pomppark Zuid follows the principles of the overarching landscape plan for Ringpark Groene Vesten and is the result of extensive discussions during various workshops, sessions, design studios, and Ring Days. Like the broader Ringpark, Pomppark Zuid has been designed with the potential for a future Ring cover in mind.

More Information

All information about De Grote Verbinding (The Great Connection) including the Ringparks, can be found at www.degroteverbinding.be.

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