Experience

ANTWERP | Ringpark West officially opens, linking 500 hectares of green space on Left Bank

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Ringpark West, the first of Antwerp’s seven planned Ring Parks, was officially opened on Sunday 9 August, connecting more than 500 hectares of woodland and nature areas across Linkeroever and Zwijndrecht. The new park also brings a network of cycling and walking paths, while new noise barriers and earth berms are intended to make the area more pleasant for residents and visitors.

The Sint-Annabos, Blokkersdijk, Vlietbos, Het Rot, Middenvijver, Burchtse Weel, and Galgenweel are now connected with neighbouring green areas. Much of the new planting is already in place, with more trees and plants due to be added in the coming years.

“Ringpark West is the first of the seven Antwerp Ring Parks to officially open,” said Antwerp Mobility Alderman Koen Kennis (N-VA). “It proves that traffic infrastructure and the liveability of an entire region do not have to be weighed against each other, but can be tackled together: 16.5 kilometres of new cycling network, a better connection to the Ring, and an area that once again functions as a whole. A fine example for the Ringparks that will follow.”

Jeroen Verhulst (CD&V), Mobility Alderman for Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht, said the new cycling network strengthens the municipality’s links with Antwerp, the Waasland and the port. The completed cycle highways and their further expansion, he added, would encourage more people to cycle for commuting and recreation in a green environment.

Participatory design for Ringpark West

The origins of Ringpark West go back to 2017, when five design teams were commissioned under the direction of intendant Alexander D’Hooghe to develop projects aimed at improving liveability around the Antwerp Ring. The teams worked with residents and stakeholders including the Flemish Government, the City of Antwerp, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, civic movements and Lantis.

The process resulted in 18 liveability projects, which became the basis for the seven Ring Parks and a new Scheldt Bridge. For Ringpark West, three projects were completed: the ‘Quiet Berms Zwijndrecht’, ‘Quiet Berms Linkeroever’ and ‘Complete Cycling Network’ projects.

“Who would have thought that completing the Ring would also be an opportunity to transform this area into one large green whole?” said D’Hooghe. “The park areas are now connected by bridges, passages and restored streams. We should also not forget that the surrounding residential areas have seen a measurable improvement in noise levels, of up to 10 decibels. Finally, the cycling bridge will soon arrive here, allowing everyone from Little Brabant (Klein-Brabant) to the Waasland, and Campine (Kempen) to easily enjoy this green lung. Oosterweel serves the whole of Flanders.”

Peter Vermeulen, representing the civic movements Ringland, Ademloos and stRaten-generaal, said Ringpark West illustrated the essence of the Future Pact for which the groups had campaigned. He said the integrated approach had created significant added value for society, including improvements to road infrastructure, a safer access to the J.F. Kennedy Tunnel and noise reduction. The green character of the entire Left Bank had also been strengthened, he said, benefiting Antwerp residents.

Coordinated with Oosterweel works

The construction of Ringpark West was closely linked to the Oosterweel connection works, which began in 2017. The project has improved the connection between the E34 and the Ring and made access roads from Linkeroever and the R1 safer.

A new connecting road between junction 17 Zwijndrecht and junction 8 Waaslandhaven-Oost is also intended to reduce through traffic in the residential areas of Linkeroever, Zwijndrecht and Burcht.

Along the R1, near Blancefloerlaan, the connecting road links to the new Linkeroever park-and-ride facility. The six-storey parking building has space for 1,500 cars and 150 bicycles, providing a transfer point for commuters and visitors.

“Ringpark West is the first completed Ringpark within De Grote Verbinding and shows that major infrastructure projects can also give a great deal back to their surroundings,” said Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA). “In addition to connecting the existing green areas, the new compact road infrastructure creates extra space for recreation in a location that was previously enclosed by motorways. We are therefore delighted that this first project from the Future Pact has become a reality.”

Part of the Scheldt Valley National Park

More than 300 hectares of Ringpark West is protected nature reserve and forms part of the Scheldt Valley National Park. The Agency for Nature and Forests, together with several partners, has developed a visitor experience plan for the green area.

“Ringpark West is a fine example of how apparently opposing interests can, through respectful consultation and co-creation, lead to a sustainable balance between traffic, the environment and nature,” said Jef Van De Wiele, chairman of Natuurpunt Waasland.

First of seven Ringparks

Ringpark West is part of De Grote Verbinding, the wider project surrounding Antwerp that combines the Oosterweel connection, the Ring Parks and the Scheldt Bridge. The Oosterweel works are currently reshaping the Antwerp Ring, including its deepening, completion and future covering.

The intergenerational project is a collaboration between the City of Antwerp, Lantis, the Agency for Roads and Traffic, De Vlaamse Waterweg and the civic movements.

Visitors who missed the opening can explore Ringpark West themselves. A cycling treasure hunt is running until 18 October, with participants eligible to win a prize.

On the look of Antwerp

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