Public Space
Vetten Osplein becomes living room of Antwerp neighbourhood
In Den Dam, Antwerp, the Vetten Osplein has been opened, offering plenty of space for terraces and events, as well as a fountain, basketball court, and ping pong tables. The square has been designed as a true neighbourhood square, a ‘living room’ for the district.
Sweco, in collaboration with Posad Maxwan – Lola, developed the concept and preliminary design of the public space through an extensive participation process. Additionally, we provided the final design, technical elaborations, and supervision of the works.
- Client
- AG Vespa
- Location
- Antwerp
- Expertise
- Concept, preliminary design, final design, technical elaborations, supervision of the works
- Partner
- Posad Maxwan – Lola
The Damwijk in Antwerp-North is undergoing significant changes and is being redeveloped into a place for living, services, recreation, and business. This also includes a thorough renewal of the public space in the district. It partly concerns the existing public domain in the Slachthuiswijk, but new public spaces are also being created within the planned redevelopment.
Space for greenery and recreation
After the activities in the slaughterhouses ceased and the surrounding meat processing companies’ activities declined, this new urban development project could take shape. The redevelopment of the first part of the public space in the district started in February 2024 and includes the area around the future Kalverwei and the slaughterhouse halls.
The square offers space for events, markets, sports, and games. There are many seating areas and spacious terrace zones. Car-free play, sports, and meeting spaces connect the new and existing parts. The district is also becoming greener, with new future trees given plenty of space and various mixes of shrubs, perennials, herbs, grasses, and flowers. Large tree bunkers have been installed under the paving, allowing the trees to grow and cool the square.
Neighbourhood park welcomes everyone
The Vetten Osplein is a neighbourhood square, designed to fully serve its function as a true ‘living room’ for the district:
- There is space for a local market, a neighbourhood party, a flea market, or a music event tailored to the district.
- There is plenty of space for terraces for existing and new catering establishments.
- A fountain, a 3×3 basketball court, two ping pong tables, and play areas along the square provide sports and games.
- Flowering linden trees around the square serve as a robust green buffer with the roadway.
- The streets leading to the square are green residential areas.
