In January 2026 in Essen, Germany, the Green Cities Europe Award 2025 was presented to Zuidpark or South Park. The Antwerp project beat out seven other countries.
The annual award recognizes outstanding European projects that demonstrate that green spaces can improve climate resilience, biodiversity, and quality of life in urban environments.
An independent international jury assessed all projects on the quality and quantity of green spaces, design, environmental and economic impact, innovation, use of materials, and reproducibility.
The jury praised Zuidpark for its scale, ambition, and multifunctionality: “By moving the parking underground, valuable above-ground space is reclaimed for green spaces and public life, while the site’s historic harbor structure is restored. The park combines heritage, ecology, and social use and offers diverse atmospheres and spaces that appeal to residents of all ages.”
The jury also considered Zuidpark a strong and forward-looking example of how cities can create high-quality green space while simultaneously addressing climate challenges. The project stands out for its ecological value, smart water management, and ecosystems, and serves as inspiration for similar transformations throughout Europe.
Alderman for Public Domain and Green Spaces Ken Casier (N-VA): “We are immensely proud that Zuidpark has once again won an award and is receiving recognition far beyond our borders with the European Green Cities Award 2025.
This international recognition confirms the quality of the design, which combines so many functions: a green lung, a place for meeting, play, ecology, and heritage. Zuidpark demonstrates how a contemporary urban space can simultaneously enhance quality of life, climate resilience, and biodiversity – and that Antwerp is playing a pioneering role in Europe in this regard.”
Eight inspiring European projects
This year’s competition brought together eight international projects, each reflecting a different approach to urban greening. In addition to Zuidpark, these were:
- Bulgaria – Gardens of the World in Pazardzhik.
- France – Parc des Ateliers in Arles.
- Germany – Natural PikoParks in Berlin.
- Hungary – Dráva Park in Budapest.
- Netherlands – Working Together in Leiden.
- Poland – ‘Burza’ Action Park in Warsaw.
- Sweden – Piet Oudolf Garden in Värnamo.