ANTWERP | Redevelopment of the Wapper begins, to be finished in spring 2028

The City of Antwerp and water utility water-link have officially begun the redevelopment of the Wapper, the elongated square between the Meir and Schuttershofstraat. By spring 2028, the site is set to be transformed into a greener and more pleasant public space in the heart of the city, with water playing a central role in the new design.

The project will see a comprehensive redesign of the Wapper, with a strong focus on space, greenery and public experience. Wide pedestrian zones of at least five metres along the façades will allow visitors to cross the square comfortably, even during peak hours. These areas will also accommodate deliveries during designated time windows and ensure access for emergency services.

Plans

A central feature of the redesign is a large water element measuring six metres wide and 130 metres long, with several crossing points. Stretching from Hopland to the Meir, where it will end in a city fountain, the water feature references the historic rui waterways while also contributing to water buffering and cooling in the area.

Additional greenery will enhance both the atmosphere and the climate resilience of the square. Three large planting beds and 23 trees, including seven existing specimens such as the swamp oak and 16 new trees, will gradually provide shade and seasonal colour. 

The central area will offer space for relaxation, with island terraces and seating overlooking the Rubens House and the water feature. The sculptures currently located on the Wapper, ‘De Arend‘ and the portrait of composer Peter Benoit, will be transferred to the Middelheim Museum for restoration before being placed in its open-air depot.

Underground, the entire sewer system will be replaced with a separated system. Wastewater will be directly connected to collectors in the historic ruien, while rainwater from the square and surrounding buildings will be directed to an underground buffer system and partly infiltrated through tree bunkers. This approach is intended to improve water management while supporting a more climate-resilient and sustainable public space.

“I am pleased that the works are starting, as they will prepare the Wapper for the future: greener and cooler, safer and more enjoyable for everyone” said Patrick Janssens (Vooruit), Antwerp’s alderman for urban development. 

“Pleasant living does not stop at the front door. Squares such as the Wapper are important places where people meet and where the city comes to life.”

Four phases

The redevelopment will be carried out in four phases. According to Janssens, this phased approach will allow works to progress step by step while minimising disruption for residents and local businesses around the square. After each phase, the completed section will be reopened. Following the first phase, in spring 2027, terraces will already be able to return to part of the square, well before the full completion of the project.

The first two phases, running from March 2026 until summer 2027, will begin with the demolition of the existing layout. Street furniture, concrete blocks and any greenery that cannot be preserved will be removed. Archaeologists will then conduct a three-week investigation of the site, hoping to uncover remains of former houses that once occupied the area before it became a square built over a rui. Construction will then begin on the basin forming the core of the water feature, including a 138 cubic metre rainwater buffer installed within the existing underground waterway and a circular water system.

Phase three, from autumn 2027 to early 2028, will focus on the section between Jodenstraat and Schuttershofstraat. The final phase, from early 2028 to spring 2028, will complete sewer connections between the Wapper, Maria Pijpelincxstraat and Hopland, along with finishing works across the site.

The full redevelopment is expected to take approximately two years, with completion scheduled for spring 2028 if all proceeds according to plan.

Throughout the construction period, all shops and residents will remain accessible. Further information and updates are available via the city’s project website.

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