Antwerp’s city council has approved the concept design for the redevelopment of Koningin Astridplein or Queen Astrid Square, marking a significant milestone in the renewal of one of the city’s most central and heavily used public spaces.
The design aims to transform the square into a clear, safe, and attractive urban area, with more space for greenery, relaxation, social interaction, and smooth mobility. The next phase, the preliminary design, is expected in autumn 2027.
Antwerp takes a major step towards revitalising its central hub
Queen Astrid Square, originally laid out in 1904, quickly became a vital mobility hub in the heart of Antwerp. Over the years, the square has undergone substantial changes in terms of transport options, surrounding buildings, layout, and architecture. The most recent redevelopment dates back to 2006.
Given its intensive and multifaceted use, the square is now due for a thorough renewal.
The new concept design addresses both the square itself and its underground bicycle parking facility.
A focus on liveability on and around the square
Above ground, the focus is on creating a clearly defined and high-quality public space. The square will be divided into three distinct zones:
- A mobility zone in the north, aligned with the Gemeentestraat-Carnotstraat axis.
- A central urban garden in the middle.
- An attractive and high-quality forecourt at the Antwerp-Central Railway Station on the south side.
The design will reorganise user flows on and around the square more clearly. In consultation with De Lijn, the tram turning loop will be removed from the square, and a new location will be sought in the nearby area.
Public transport will be consolidated on the north side of the square, allowing tram and bus users to transfer more smoothly and comfortably. In coordination with Q-Park, a new car ramp will be built from Carnotstraat to the underground parking. The existing car ramps will be converted into entrances for cyclists.
The renewed Queen Astrid Square is intended not only to function better as a central mobility hub but also to become a more pleasant place to spend time. The concept design includes more greenery, additional trees, reduced hard surfacing, and space for cooling.
The central urban garden is a green zone that clearly references the square’s historic flower garden. It will feature 101 additional trees of various sizes, combined with lower plants, with a focus on native species.
The newly designed path structure invites visitors to stroll among the greenery. There will also be space for a work of art, though the specific piece has not yet been determined.
Space for events
The forecourt at Antwerp-Central Railway Station will provide space for events, seating, play, and social interaction. A new water feature will also be added to offer cooling and play opportunities on hot days.
Patrick Janssens (Vooruit), Alderman for Urban Development, said: “Queen Astrid Square is a unique place in the heart of Antwerp, with landmarks such as Central Station, the Queen Elisabeth Hall, the monumental entrance gate to the Zoo, and the historic facades. With this design, we are consciously choosing to strengthen that monumental character. We are returning to the historical layout of the square, with a central urban garden and pleasant walking zones along the facades and through the greenery. This will not only enhance the heritage character but also improve liveability and the quality of stay on and around the square for every resident of Antwerp.”
Separate and safer car and bicycle parking
Underground, the entire level -1 will be redeveloped as a clear, comfortable, and safer bicycle parking facility, with access to Central Station and the pre-metro stations Astrid and Diamant.
Travellers and visitors will be able to safely leave their bicycles or scooters and continue their journeys by bus, tram, or train. The new passage will also make it easier and safer to move between the metro and the station, or to Queen Astrid Square.
By moving the car parking entirely to level -2, there will also be more space for bicycle parking, tailored to the needs of today’s cyclists, including sufficient space for cargo bikes and electric bicycles.
Next steps
The completion of the concept design provides a solid foundation for the layout of the square and its underground level. The design team can now begin work on the preliminary design, which will elaborate on the plan in greater technical detail.
The preliminary design is expected in autumn 2027.
Public event: Astrid Day
Eager to see more images of how Queen Astrid Square will look in a few years’ time? Or do you have specific questions? The City of Antwerp is organising a public event to present and further explain the concept design to anyone interested.
Visitors can explore the new square on a large map of the area, via information pillars, and through a live radio show. There will also be side entertainment, and the press is welcome to attend.
This ‘Astrid Day’ will take place on Saturday, 27 June, from 14:00 to 18:00 on Queen Astrid Square.
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