Experience

ANTWERP | Preliminary design for Scheldt Quays from Steenplein to Zuiderterras approved

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Before the summer break, the Council of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Antwerp has approved the preliminary design for the renewal of the Scheldt Quays between Steenplein and Zuiderterras, in the heart of Antwerp. 

A key feature will be a large urban garden located centrally beneath the hangars. The city’s past will also be highlighted, with the medieval quay wall and historic Bierpoort gate made accessible. The hangars themselves and the elevated promenade will undergo restoration. The final design is expected by summer 2026.

The central part of the Scheldt Quays stretches from the Zuiderterras pavilion to the Noorderterras pavilion. In July 2021, the concept design for this full stretch was approved, followed in October 2023 by the final design for the northern section—from Noorderterras to Steenplein. Restoration work on the hangars and promenade is currently underway in that area.

Now, the preliminary design has also been approved for the southern part of this central stretch: from Steenplein to Zuiderterras.

Alderman for Urban Development Patrick Janssens (Vooruit): “More than 15 years after the master plan, this preliminary design marks another major step in redeveloping the Scheldt Quays into a vibrant and green urban space for all Antwerp residents. Heritage, flood safety, and public experience come together here in a uniquely renewed city district. Thanks to the urban garden beneath the hangars, the greening of the promenade, and the exposure of the old quay walls, this area will once again become a warm meeting place along the Scheldt.”

Flood barrier and quay wall

In April 2025, works by De Vlaamse Waterweg nv on the historic quay wall in this zone were completed. The quay wall, previously unstable, is being completely renewed as part of the Scheldt Quays master plan.

Due to climate change and rising sea levels, the old flood barrier must be raised to protect the city from flooding by the Scheldt. In the central section of the Scheldt quays, over 800 metres of new flood barrier will be installed, the majority of which will be a mobile barrier. 

This becomes visible only during extremely high water levels and can rise up to 2.25 metres above the blue stone promenade.

As in the stretch between Noorderterras and Steenplein, the section between Steenplein and Zuiderterras will also have a continuous elevation of 80 centimetres above the blue stone beneath the promenade. This elevation forms the fixed flood barrier.

Promenade as a green, pleasant public space

The elevated promenade offers beautiful views over the Scheldt. At two locations, new staircases will provide direct access to the lower quay level. The promenade itself will be renovated: the support structure, flooring, and balustrade will be upgraded, with a wooden handrail added to the latter. Similar to the northern promenade, this area will be greened into a ‘Kaailine‘ with benches and large steel-and-wood planting boxes.

Space for events

With the flood barrier moved closer to the river, the hangars will be more easily accessible from the city and usable regardless of water levels. The overhangs will be fully restored and fitted with larger skylights and improved acoustic comfort. Beneath them, small-scale events and activities such as performances and markets can take place.

History revealed beneath the hangars

Both medieval and Napoleonic quay walls are present at this site. The preliminary design proposes to partially expose the medieval quay wall and the historic Bierpoort to a depth of 2.4 metres. The Bierpoort is the gate through which Napoleon made his ceremonial entrance into Antwerp in 1803. 

The Napoleonic quay wall lies too deep to be made accessible, so it will be symbolically represented with a diagonal path in blue stone and granite.

Urban garden beneath the hangars

The city aims to meet residents’ desires for more greenery along the quays. The preliminary design includes a real urban garden centrally beneath the hangars, where train tracks once transported goods directly between wagons and ships. 

The garden will measure around 30 by 40 metres, with seating and a mix of shrubs up to 6 metres tall, alongside low planting. The garden divides the space under the hangars into two, making it feel more human-scale. The design proposes opening the hangar roofs as much as possible above the garden to let in daylight.

Alderman for Public Domain and Green Spaces Ken Casier (N-VA): “From Steenplein to Zuiderterras, the Scheldt Quays will undergo a major transformation. Just like the section up to Noorderterras, we will green this public space significantly with a ‘Kaailine’—a green promenade. And we’re adding a real urban garden of 1,200 m². If Napoleon were to re-enter Antwerp today, he would be completely amazed by all this green public space.”

Enclos and guides’ room

Historically, enclosed areas (enclos) under the hangars were used by logistics firms and customs to securely store goods temporarily. The design proposes the addition of a small new pavilion with a practical function—possibly as a base for city cleaning services. 

Near the Zuiderterras is the former guides’ room, which will be refurbished and repurposed.

Ramp to the promenade

The space around the ramp leading to the promenade will be redesigned into a comfortable route for pedestrians and cyclists connecting Suikerrui and the quay road to the promenade, the pontoon, and the Scheldt. 

Over time, the spaces under the ramp have become neglected and closed off. The design aims to restore them with new carpentry and transform them into vibrant public spaces.

Pontoon

Antwerp has long been served by water transport such as ferries and DeWaterbus. With increasing usage, the Van Dijck pontoon at Steenplein needs more comfort and capacity. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv has therefore launched a study for a new pontoon in close cooperation with the City of Antwerp and municipal real estate agency AG Vespa. The goal is to create a new pontoon 50 metres longer than the current one, with a new bridge and waiting infrastructure.

Public participation

To help shape the design of the entire central section of the Scheldt Quays, a series of public participation moments took place over ten days in 2019. 

Ahead of the preliminary design, an information session was held in January 2022 where feedback on the concept design was welcomed. 

An extensive online survey also drew 395 responses. These highlighted desires for using the hangars for markets, events, sports, games, and to experience the location’s history. A strong wish for more greenery was also frequently expressed.

Timeline and design team

The final design for the southern section of the central Scheldt Quays is expected by summer 2026. Work will begin no earlier than early 2027, starting with the restoration of the hangars and promenade—similar to the northern section—and the installation of the mobile flood barrier.

The design of the full central quay surface was created by Palmbout Urban Landscapes and Tractebel.

On the look of Antwerp

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