Experience

ANTWERP | Redevelopment of the Stuivenberg site takes further shape

Posted by Timothy on

The Council of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Antwerp has reviewed an extensive feasibility study concerning the Stuivenberg site in Antwerp-North. The ambition is to create a mixed-use project with extensive shared space and strong interaction between different users and the surrounding neighbourhood. 

A scenario has been developed involving several city services and a number of external public partners. Studies for the first subprojects of the construction phase are now being launched. 

These include the circular dismantling of the existing building, the demolition of the 1980s main building, and the construction of an underground car park. Meanwhile, the current temporary uses within part of the complex will continue.

Over the past year and a half, a detailed feasibility study was conducted, assessing the project from technical, functional and financial perspectives.

Future-proof renovation

From a technical point of view, the architectural, physical and structural condition of the building complex has been thoroughly mapped. This makes it possible to estimate the cost of this complex renovation as accurately as possible. The full renovation is designed to prepare the complex for the next 100 years, with a flexible programme that can evolve over time. The total cost of the project is estimated at around €200 million.

The City of Antwerp is making a major social investment, with the project expected to significantly enhance the quality of life in the surrounding neighbourhood. 

Through a substantial demolition and restoration effort, the site’s original 19th-century pavilion structure will be restored, creating much-needed public space in this densely built-up area. The Stuivenberg site will be reborn as an open, green and accessible environment.

Alderman for Urban Development Patrick Janssens (Vooruit) commented: “After 130 years of hospital use, the Stuivenberg site is beginning a new chapter. Its redevelopment is the largest urban renewal project to be launched during this term of office. Around 35,000 square metres of buildings – almost five football fields – will disappear, making room for breathing space and community interaction. Around 30,000 square metres of public gardens will be added, equivalent to a small city park. The buildings that remain will be repurposed to revitalise the neighbourhood, with places where care, creativity, education and community life come together.”

Shared space and synergy

Several usage scenarios were developed after discussions with city services and external public partners who support the project’s ambition. The goal is a mixed-use complex with extensive shared space and active cross-pollination between users and the local community. A limited number of spaces may be allocated for commercial use.

The following city services have shown strong alignment with the site:

  • Antwerp Nursing School (AG SO).
  • Social centres.
  • Employment and activation services.
  • Childcare facilities.

Youth and cultural organisations will also be able to use the shared spaces for programmes and activities. External public partners, including the Flanders Architecture Institute, have expressed interest in joining the project.

By optimising space use, these programmes can be fully integrated and the site can remain active throughout the week. 

Exclusive areas will be limited to those functions that truly require them. In the evenings, on weekends, and during holidays, local, youth and cultural groups and associations will be able to use multifunctional or fully shared spaces, managed through a new shared-space management model.

Through this approach, the City of Antwerp aims to:

  • use available space efficiently;
  • stimulate collaboration between users and the neighbourhood;
  • create liveliness and activity around the public gardens seven days a week.

Stuivenberg thus has the potential to become a model project for clustering and systematic shared-space use.

To achieve these ambitions, a collaborative process is being launched with the various partners to refine the allocation, clustering and sharing of infrastructure, and to explore further possible combinations. The local community will also be consulted on how the shared spaces should be used.

Clear financial framework

Financially, the total project cost and projected revenues have been clearly mapped out.

The financial model is being progressively refined. The City of Antwerp will retain ownership and overall control of the site to ensure that its benefits remain within the community. 

City-owned properties vacated by departments relocating to the Stuivenberg site can be repurposed or sold, generating income for the city. In the long term, the city will also save on investment costs that would otherwise have been needed to renovate those older buildings sustainably.

Construction studies underway

The council has now approved the start of studies for the first concrete subprojects: the circular dismantling of the existing structure, the demolition of the 1980s main building, and the construction of the underground car park.

Temporary use

Temporary uses managed by site operator Entrakt will continue in part of the complex. A mix of organisations has already found a place there, including artists’ studios, a coffee roastery, a veterinary practice, and educational and cultural organisations. 

A neighbourhood bar is also operating on the site, and further spaces remain available for interested parties.

Recent measures have been taken to prevent illegal parking on the premises, and an additional part of the site will soon be de-paved and greened.

Neighbourhood event

In December, municipal real estate and urban projects agency AG Vespa will organise a neighbourhood event to present these plans in more detail and to gather feedback on shared-space use. Residents will receive an invitation by post.

Coordination

AG Vespa is coordinating the redevelopment of the Stuivenberg site on behalf of the City of Antwerp and the Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW). Part of the project – particularly the planned demolition works – is being supported by the Flemish Government’s Urban Renewal Fund.

On the look of Antwerp

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