The City of Antwerp is starting the design process for the central section of the Scheldt Riverside (Scheldeboorden) on Linkeroever. The plans will transform the area around Frederik van Eedenplein into part of a 6-kilometre riverside park, while new flood defences will protect Linkeroever against future flooding.
The central section is the final part of the wider Scheldt Riverside project to enter the detailed design phase. It covers the area between Charles De Costerlaan and Galgenweellaan, including Frederik van Eedenplein and its surroundings.
The plans for the northern and southern sections are already nearing completion.
Six-kilometre riverside park
The Flemish Waterway Authority is raising the Scheldt flood defences on Linkeroever as part of the Sigma Plan. The water defences will be raised from 8.35 to 9.25 metres, providing greater protection against flooding.
The City of Antwerp’s master plan will use the works as an opportunity to transform the existing riverfront into a 6-kilometre park. The aim is to create safer connections to accessible green spaces, while providing room for recreation and nature along the Scheldt.
The project is divided into three sections: the northern zone between St Anne’s Wood (Sint-Annabos) and Charles De Costerlaan, the central zone between Charles De Costerlaan and Galgenweellaan, and the southern zone between Galgenweellaan and Burcht.
“Over 6 kilometres on Linkeroever, we are raising the flood defence from 8.35 to 9.25 metres,” said Annick De Ridder (N-VA), Flemish Minister for Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sport. “This will ensure that Antwerp remains well protected against flooding in the future, while respecting the surroundings and the connection with the Scheldt. Today we are starting the design process for the central Scheldt Riverside zone, the third and final zone of this project. This is another important step in protecting Linkeroever.”
Frederik van Eedenplein to be transformed
Frederik van Eedenplein is set to undergo a major transformation. The current traffic-dominated square is planned to become a green park and meeting place, with more space for pedestrians, cyclists, recreation and events.
“The Frederik van Eedenplein will become unrecognisable,” said Patrick Janssens (Vooruit), Antwerp Alderman for Urban Development and Housing. “Instead of a square that is currently largely dominated by traffic, there will be a green and lively park where people can walk, relax and meet each other. By making the square car-free and greener, we are giving space back to people. We are now starting the next stage of the design and will first give local residents the opportunity to share their ideas and expectations.”
The concept design, approved in 2023, envisages Frederik van Eedenplein as a green gateway to Linkeroever. The square will provide safer and easier transfers between the metro, buses and ferry, while also accommodating cyclists and pedestrians, play areas, the market and other events.
The Gloriantlaan will become the main north-south traffic connection, with a safer design for cyclists and pedestrians and additional greenery. Thonetlaan to the north and Beatrijslaan to the south will also be redesigned to improve safety.
“We are transforming the existing dike into an extensive green park of six kilometres, where you can walk from St Anne’s Wood to Burcht in an hour with the Scheldt at your side,” said Ken Casier, Antwerp Alderman for Public Space and Green Areas. “Existing trees form the basis of the design, and we will add a great deal of additional greenery. With safe crossings, wide cycle paths and benches overlooking the Scheldt, this will become a place where people in Antwerp want to walk, play and exercise. A city that is protected from the water while embracing it once again.”
Public consultation
The city says residents, visitors and passers-by will be involved in the design process. An information market, digital survey and consultation meetings will provide opportunities to comment on the plans and suggest ideas.
The existing concept design will subsequently be developed into a preliminary design. This is expected to be ready in spring 2027, with the final design scheduled for late 2027.
If the timetable remains on track, construction of the central section could start from 2030.
The final designs for the northern and southern sections have already been approved. A public inquiry for the southern section is scheduled for this year, while the environmental permit application for the northern section is expected to be submitted by the end of 2026.
Construction of the northern and southern sections is planned to start in 2027, with the works expected to take around two years.
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