Antwerp river dike breached for new park project

Antwerp is transforming a section of the Groot Schijn river in Deurne to create the new Het Schijn park, a project aimed at reconnecting the Deurne-Zuid and Borgerhout districts. A controlled breach of the river's dike, executed with a crane in the presence of Mobility Alderman Koen Kennis, marks a significant milestone for the ambitious infrastructure initiative.

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The dike breach is a very important milestone in the project.

The new park, slated for public access by the summer of 2027, promises to enhance the urban environment by introducing more green spaces, mitigating noise pollution, and improving air quality. The rerouted river will serve multiple purposes, including acting as a water buffer during intense rainfall, providing habitats for local wildlife, and increasing greenery around the Antwerp Ring Road. Additionally, new play structures will be installed along the river branch, with the water flow designed to help elevate these elements.

"The dike breach is a very important milestone in the project," stated Jonathan Ligon, project leader at AG Vespa. Alderman Kennis emphasized the project's goal to harmonize livability and mobility, noting, "We are ensuring that our neighborhoods, which are often located along the ring, are provided with more green space and more room for people to relax, enjoy, and sit in the cool. Water is a very important element there too."

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We are ensuring that our neighborhoods, which are often located along the ring, are provided with more green space and more room for people to relax, enjoy, and sit in the cool. Water is a very important element there too.

The park's design also incorporates new pedestrian and bicycle bridges, constructed using circular principles with reused materials like rubble from old quay walls for bank reinforcement and play zones. An information point has been established for residents to learn about the infrastructure plans and construction progress. The vision for Het Schijn is to create an island sanctuary for nature's development alongside children's play areas, offering a pleasant experience for the entire neighborhood.

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The intention is that there will soon be an island where nature can develop and where there will be play facilities for children, to make it a pleasant experience for the neighborhood.