The City of Antwerp, together with the District of Antwerp and the District of Berchem, has approved a set of mobility principles that will guide the future redevelopment of the area around Koning Albertpark (King Albert Park) and the Grotesteenweg (Grand Causeway).
The decision marks a key milestone in a wider plan aimed at creating a safer and more coherent traffic system, more space for greenery and active road users, and a higher-quality, accessible park better connected to surrounding neighbourhoods. A preliminary design is expected by the end of 2026, with works potentially starting between 2028 and 2029.
Integrated approach to mobility, infrastructure and public space
The area around the park and the Grotesteenweg is due for renewal, with challenges relating to mobility, road safety and liveability coinciding with planned upgrades to tram tracks and sewer systems.
These overlapping needs have prompted the city to pursue a single integrated project covering the entire area. In 2024, a broad design study was launched in collaboration with the district authorities, De Lijn, the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency and water utility partners.
The city has now endorsed a preferred scenario based on mobility and design studies, which will serve as the foundation for further planning of both the park and the surrounding road network.
Preferred scenario reshapes traffic flows
Under the preferred scenario, the main route for motorised traffic will shift to the Koningin Elisabethlei (Queen Elisabeth Avenue), which will be converted into a two-way street and equipped with a two-way cycle path. Tram routes will be redirected via the Koning Albertparkweg (King Albert Park Way), which will no longer function as a street for car traffic.
The Mechelsesteenweg (Mechlin Causeway) will be transformed into a residential zone between Boomgaardstraat (Orchard Street) and Belgiëlei (Belgium Avenue), with a two-way cycle path and a new public transport interchange. The Prins Albertlei (Prince Albert Avenue) will retain its function as a residential street, with cyclists sharing the carriageway.
The Grotesteenweg will become a two-way residential street between the Binnensingel (Inner Singel) and Belpairestraat (Belpaire Street), while the section between Belpairestraat and Boomgaardstraat will remain one-way. Within the Singel area, adjustments will take into account the ambitions of De Lijn to maintain the number of tram stops while making them fully accessible, requiring longer platforms on the eastern side of the street.
The redesign will also introduce safe and fully fledged cycling infrastructure and increase permeable surfaces to improve rainwater absorption.
These measures are expected to reduce traffic pressure, improve traffic flow and create quieter tram movements, while also enhancing the connection between the neighbourhoods of Haringrode and Oud-Berchem (Old Berchem) and the park.
Stronger connections and restoration of park character
The plan aims to better integrate Koning Albertpark into its urban surroundings by removing barriers and improving the quality of public space along adjacent streets. This will allow for the restoration of the park’s historic character, with as many monumental trees as possible preserved.
Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA) said the current layout, with its many roads and tram lines, would be significantly simplified: “This plan improves circulation for cyclists, cars and trams, while freeing up space for a major interchange hub with the necessary facilities. It also creates a direct connection between the surrounding neighbourhoods and the green space of the park.”
District Mayor of Berchem Evi Van der Planken (N-VA) described the project as a key step for liveability, noting that it would strengthen links between Oud-Berchem and the park while reducing rat-running traffic.
Antwerp District Mayor Paul Cordy (N-VA) added that the plans aim to further develop the park as a high-quality public space while preserving its historic identity and improving accessibility, particularly for the Haringrode neighbourhood.
Next steps towards design and construction
With the preferred scenario now approved, the city will proceed to develop a preliminary design for the area, preceded by additional mobility studies to refine the framework conditions.
The current planning foresees a preliminary design by the end of 2026, followed by a final design in 2027 and the start of permitting procedures the same year. The first construction works are expected to begin between 2028 and 2029.
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