Sweco Belgium
A new park along the quays of the Scheldt city
Antwerp has no less than seven kilometers of quays along Flanders’ largest river, the Scheldt. An ambitious master plan aims to restore the relationship between the city and the river with new public spaces, while also protecting the city from the water. Since July 17, you can fully enjoy 5.5 hectares of park along the Nieuw Zuid neighborhood. Sweco was responsible for the final design, based on a concept and preliminary design from PROAP, for the coordination with the hydraulic works of De Vlaamse Waterweg, the technical development of the design up to the permit and tender, and provided general coordination and follow-up during execution.
The Nieuw Zuid Scheldekaai is one of seven sub-projects in this grand master plan under the direction of AG Vespa. For the first time, a park is located so close to the Scheldt, from De Gerlachekaai to the Kennedy Tunnel at D’Herbouvillekaai. Paths with semi-paving guide the visitor through various types of greenery, water elements, a water forest, sports and play zones, picnic platforms, and very diverse urban furniture.
A Functional Layout for Maximum Experience
The park forms a beautiful final piece for Nieuw Zuid, the residential neighborhood that has been rising since 2014. The zones for sports, play, picnic, and small events are clustered around three spots. This allows the majority of 53,000 m² to be maximized for greenery. More than 300 trees and open water areas help reduce heat stress.
The northernmost part has a natural and educational purpose, with many trees, plants, and shrubs with edible fruits. The southernmost part functions as a water basin with an underground rain reservoir. Here you will find the most adventurous part of the park, with a water forest featuring water-loving trees and rugged rock formations. Channels crisscross a large part of the park.
Circular Water Flow
The pond with aquatic plants purifies rainwater before the channels distribute it throughout the park. Our experts have developed a system that does not waste water and guarantees a permanent water flow. During drier periods, some channels irrigate the water forest. We have also considered the connection to Circular Water Network, a project of the city of Antwerp for which Sweco conducted the feasibility study. This way, the park can always rely on sufficient water.
Increasing the Water Barrier
In addition to enhancing public space, the renovated quays must also protect the Scheldt city from rising waters. The water barrier will be raised by 90 centimeters to 9.25 meters TAW, in accordance with the updated Sigma plan for the Scheldt basin. Along the Nieuw Zuid quays, this takes shape through an elevated park design and underground water-retaining walls.
In transforming the Scheldt quays at Nieuw Zuid into a park, the Antwerp citizen not only can enjoy a new green public space. The city is also protected from the rising water of the river by heightening the water-retaining walls.
Bram De Kinder, expert Infrastructure
Sigma plan
The Sigma plan was created after the floods in 1976 to ensure water safety. The Scheldt is subject to tides and experiences spring tides twice a month. When a northwesterly storm also rages at sea, you get storm tides like in 1976, which resulted in severe damage in the provinces of Antwerp and East Flanders. Additionally, the Sigma plan takes into account sea level rise due to climate change.
With the remeandering of the Kleine Nete, Sweco accomplished another Sigma water project in the Scheldt basin that combines restoration and safety.
Renewed Links in a Water Barrier Chain
The various Scheldt quays sub-projects follow several guidelines, such as attention to heritage and maritime history, connection to the surrounding neighborhoods, and focus on water safety and mobility.
Thus, the Nieuw Zuid quays (zone 6) seamlessly connect to the earlier renewal of Sint-Andries and Zuid (zone 5), where Sweco was also responsible for the technical development and coordination. The dike path of Sint-Andries and Zuid continues for a while in the new park and then fans out into more informal park paths. Additionally, the cobblestone strip of Sint-Andries and Zuid runs along the water over the entire length of the park.
In addition to Nieuw Zuid, and Sint-Andries and Zuid, Sweco coordinates and engineers the Droogdokken (zone 1), with a significant share for the renovation of maritime heritage.
By 2030, the residents of Antwerp can look forward to urban renewal that strengthens their relationship with the Scheldt, while simultaneously protecting Antwerp and its hinterland.
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