The City of Antwerp has reached a new milestone in its plans to redevelop the Meir and the surrounding streets Leysstraat, Jezusstraat and Twaalfmaandenstraat. The concept design has been completed and approved by the city executive board, and will be submitted to the district executive board for approval on Monday (today). 

The key principles for street design, greenery, lighting and heritage have now been defined for the redevelopment of Flanders’ most important shopping axis. The final design is expected in 2027.

The project aims to strengthen the Meir as a shopping boulevard, seamlessly integrating its rich heritage and current needs with innovative and sustainable solutions for the future. The new daytime and nighttime appearance is intended to further enhance the street’s appeal and monumental character.

Strong vision for a unique shopping boulevard

The Meir boulevard currently suffers from outdated and cluttered infrastructure, as well as a sewage system in urgent need of renewal.

With the redevelopment, the city wants to create a modern, attractive and sustainable public space that matches the international profile of the historic city centre.

The approved concept translates these ambitions into a clear framework for further design work:

• An open, clear and high-quality street layout, with a consistent and sustainable material palette running from façade to façade. A clear and unobstructed layout with as few obstacles as possible will improve the quality of stay, accessibility and capacity during peak moments.
• Specific attention for pedestrians, with wide passages and comfortable places to stay, as well as a clear organisation of cyclists, loading and unloading, and access to public transport. The city is also examining whether faster modes of transport such as e-scooters, mopeds and cyclists could be restricted during busy periods.
• Green places to linger, focusing on greening and climate adaptation, with more and better growth opportunities for (future) trees and planting, cooling during heatwaves, and an integrated approach to water collection and infiltration.
• A timeless lighting concept that contributes to both safety and attractiveness during the day and at night.
• A strong focus on heritage, where sightlines, a restrained layout and integrated lighting allow monumental buildings to fully stand out.

Alderman for Public Domain Ken Casier (N-VA) said: “With the approval of this concept, we are taking another major step towards a Meir boulevard we can be proud of. We are restoring Antwerp’s monumental shopping and walking axis, with a clear and high-quality layout, greening and innovative lighting that literally puts our exceptional heritage in the spotlight. In this way, we are creating a lively, sustainable and elegant urban axis where shopping, walking and staying seamlessly come together. This redevelopment not only strengthens the Meir’s status as the shopping street of Flanders, but also elevates the quality and international appeal of our entire city centre.”

District Mayor of Antwerp district Paul Cordy (N-VA) added: “The redevelopment of the Meir is the cherry on the cake of the upgrade of not only the Via Sinjoor but the entire surrounding shopping area. The redevelopment of Jezusstraat will also significantly strengthen the still unused potential of this street.”

Dialogue with retailers, property owners and residents

In recent months, the city carried out extensive participation activities, including an information market, a digital survey and consultation meetings with retailers and property owners.

Feedback and suggestions from these sessions have been incorporated into the concept.

Next steps

Now that the concept has been approved, the design team Sweco, BAU, Atelier Jéol and Erfgoed en Visie will start developing the preliminary design, translating the guidelines into concrete profiles, detailing and implementable plans.

The preliminary design is expected in autumn 2026, with the final design planned for 2027.

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