1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Antwerpen
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Heraanleg Gedempte Zuiderdokken
Short description of the intervention
A project for the creation of a new central park was launched in 2018, where a harbor consisting of three docks used to be and is now used as primarily as a car park. The park was planned to consist of three large green spaces that are the exact same size as the original docks. As the green areas are planned to be surrounded by rows of trees, the park will look like New York’s Central Park. The park is set to contribute to Antwerp’s climate change resiliency as the central green area will contain a water basin in which stormwater can be stored temporarily and slowly infiltrate, which is enhanced by the riverbank vegetation (Ref. 1, 2, 6).
Address

Vlaamsekaai
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium

Location
The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).
Area boundary
POINT (4.3924616646958 51.212619883255)
POINT (4.3875414237765 51.20871688124)
POINT (4.3888193837567 51.208106439595)
POINT (4.393675781879 51.212079445147)
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
Google Earth Pro (October 9, 2020). Coordinates offer a rough approximation of extent of NBS.
Total area
90000.00m²
NBS area
90000.00m²
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Previous derelict area
Other
Please specify “other type of area” before implementation of the NBS
Parking (Ref. 6)
Website of the intervention
http://www.gedemptezuiderdokken.be
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2015
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2018
End date of the intervention
ongoing
Present stage of the intervention
In planning stage
Goals of the intervention
The goal is to create a park that is a vibrant place with high social-cultural value and attracts a large diversity of citizens [4]. In addition, the park should allow for recreation and sports and cultural development (Ref. 1). The park should also store stormwater and in doing so, contribute to Antwerp's climate change adaptation (Ref. 7). The public should be involved in the development of the park (Ref. 6).
Quantitative targets
Unknown
Monitoring indicators defined
In the participation process prior to the implementation of the park, the following indicators were monitored or asked in the surveys/interviews: amount of citizens participating in the participation events (surveys, focus groups and interviews), age of the participants, type of stakeholder (e.g. inhabitant, restaurant owner), frequency of use of the area, purpose of using the area, preferred use of the area (in percentage, for example x% indicated that they preferred a green space) and appreciation of events and parking (which were the former uses of the area where the park will be created) (Ref. 12).
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Climate change adaptation
Water management (SDG 6)
Stormwater and rainfall management and storage
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Green space creation and/or management
Regeneration, land-use and urban development
Conversion of former industrial areas
Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16)
Inclusive governance
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Social interaction
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Enabling opportunities for physical activity
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Climate change adaptation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Reduce the impacts of climate risks events on urban places and communities
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Implement sustainable urban drainage infrastructure (e.g. to make space for water)
Implementation activities
Creating a large green park of 9 hectares (Ref. 3), consisting of three 'tables' that represent the historical docks: 'Kooldok' (Coal Dock), 'Schipperdok' (Sailor Dock) and 'Steendok' (Stone Dock) (Ref. 1). In the area of the former Sailor Dock, a large open green space will be created for recreation with a water basin that also functions as a storage and infiltration basin. On one side of the waterbasin a step edging will be created that demonstrates the historical quay wall and on the other side, an ecological river banks will be created. This area will be surrounded by trees. The Coal Dock and Sailor Dock areas will be developed as public green spaces with diverse vegetation and recreational, playing and sport facilities (Ref. 1, 6). Public participation activities were organized in 2015 and 2016 (Ref. 4). The park also includes four squares that vary in size and allows for different types of events, ranging from neighborhood events to large festivals (Ref. 2).
Type of NBS project
Creation of new green areas
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Grey infrastructure featuring greens
Riverbank/Lakeside greens
Parks and urban forests
Large urban parks or forests
Blue infrastructure
Lakes/ponds
Green areas for water management
Sustainable urban drainage systems
Please specify "other blue area"
Water basin (Ref. 3)
What is the level of innovation / development of the NBS related to water management?
Medium / High: sustainable urban drainage systems which include water storage and diverts water flooding
Vegetation Type
Grass
Trees
Please specify how many trees were planted
Unknown
Amenities offered by the NBS
Benches and drinking water stations
Sports areas and equipment
Cultural (museum, concert areas)
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Flood regulation
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Cultural services
Aesthetic appreciation
Inspiration for culture, art and design
Recreation
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiaries
Private sector/Corporate/Company
Citizens or community groups
Governance
Governance arrangements
Government-led
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The municipality of Antwerp (AG VESPA, see comments) is the initiator of the park creation. The 'Vlaamse Bouwmeester' (a public institution that is responsible for compliance with national architecture policy) has helped the municipality of Antwerp by launching the open design assignments on which architects could respond (Ref. 3, 4). AG VESPA is the coordinator of the project and takes final decisions (Ref. 3). The project is designed and will be implemented by a partnership between Tractebel (engineering/consultancy company) and multiple architects: ADR Architects, Georges Descombes, Les Eclaristes Associes and Erik Waele (Ref. 1). Citizens and local businesses were highly involved in the planning process of the park by means of polls, interviews and public participation events which has influenced the design (Ref. 4).
The project is a demonstration project of the transnational SPONGE2020 network in which governments of the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK participate (Ref. 7).
Key actors - initiating organization
Local government/municipality
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Local government/municipality
Non-government organisation/civil society
Private sector/corporate actor/company
Transnational network
Citizens or community group
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Participatory methods/forms of community involvement used
Dissemination of information and education
Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls)
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Yes
Please specify the "Regional Directive/Strategy"
The project is in line with the EU Cohesion Policy ("promote a harmonious economic, social and territorial development of the Union as a whole") as the INTERREG programme is part of this policy (Ref. 10). The SPONGE2020 project of which the intervention is a demonstration project, is subsidized by INTERREG (Ref. 7).
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
The project was developed as a response of the local general development plan of the area (Ruimtelijk Uitvoeringsplan Binnenstad: Spatial Development Plan Central Antwerp) in 2012. In this plan, the city decided to create a 'zone of public domain' in the area (Ref. 9).
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Voluntary (spontaneous)
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
The plan for the 'Gedempte Zuiderdokken', the area where the park will be developed is mentioned in the 'Ruimtelijk Uitvoerinsplan Binnenstad' (Spatial Development Plan Central Antwerp) of 2012 (section 1.2.5) where the municipality decided to create a 'zone of public domain' in the area instead of the parking lot that is currently occupying the area (Ref. 9).
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
General municipal plan
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The SPONGE2020 network which is a network between governments of The Netherlands, Belgium and the UK aimed at innovative solutions for urban climate change adaptation. In this network includes the hoogheemraadschap van Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard (regional water body), Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland (regional water body, NL), Gemeente Westland (municipality, NL), Gemeente Leiden (municipality, NL), Gemeente Rotterdam (municipality, NL), Westcountry Rivers Trust (UK), Essex County Council (UK), Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (UK), Somerset County Council (UK) and the municipality of Antwerp. The new park of Antwerp is the demonstration project of the municipality of Antwerp for which the municipality receives 1 million euros of subsidy. The SPONGE 2020 project runs from 2016-2019 and is for 60% financed by the INTERREG – 2 Seas Mers Zeeën (www.interreg2seas.eu) fund (Ref. 7).
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The new park of Antwerp is the demonstration project of the municipality of Antwerp for which the municipality receives 1 million euros of subsidy. The SPONGE 2020 project runs from 2016-2019 and is for 60% financed by the INTERREG – 2 Seas Mers Zeeën (www.interreg2seas.eu) fund (Ref. 7).
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Unknown
Financing
Total cost
More than €4,000,000
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
16 174 125 euro
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
Total budget for the realization of the park is 16,174,125 euro (Ref. 8).
Source(s) of funding
EU funds
Public local authority budget
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Business models
Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water)
Vacant space model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Type of innovation
Technological
Infrastructural innovation
Please specify technological innovation
The new park is a demonstration project of the municipality of Antwerp in the SPONGE 2020 project, of which participation requires innovative measures for climate change adaptation. Therefore, the park can be considered an innovative infrastructure project addressing urban climate change adaptation [7]. The park is innovative because it connects different parts of the city by means of 4 squares of different sizes that allow for different types of festivities, it connects the existing four cultural centers surrounding the 'Gedempte Zuiderdokken' with the city (those centers are currently not very much connected with the city centre), it values cultural heritage because the three 'tables' are exactly the same size as the historical docks and it contributes to climate change adaptation by means of storm water retention (Ref. 1, 2, 6).
Novelty level of the innovation
The innovation is copied/derived from previous initiative(s) with substantial adaptation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
It is not the first time in the city of Antwerp that a park is created which contributes to urban climate change adaptation (see Park Spoor Noord, another Antwerp NBS in this database). Also the Sailor Dock part of the design is based on Bryant Park of New York (Ref. 4). However, the combination of restoring cultural heritage and creating social-cultural value by means of recreational facilities, connections with cultural centers and squares can be considered innovative (Ref. 7).
Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
As the park is not created yet, it is difficult to estimate to what extent the initiative will be replicated.
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Climate change
Strengthened capacity to address climate hazards/natural disasters
Water management and blue areas
Improved stormwater management
Green space and habitat
Increased green space area
Description of environmental benefits
Climate change:
-Strengthened capacity to address climate hazards/natural disasters: it is expected that the park will significantly contribute to the climate change adaptation of the city of Antwerp (Ref. 7).

Water management and blue areas:
-Increased protection against flooding/Improved stormwater management: On the area of the former Sailor Dock, a large open green space will be created for recreation with a water basin that also functions as storage and infiltration basin. On one side of the water basin a step edging will be created that demonstrates the historical quay wall and on the other side the water basin ecological river banks will be created. This area will be surrounded by trees. The Coal Dock and Sailor Dock areas will be developed as public green spaces with diverse vegetation and recreational, playing and sport facilities (Ref. 1, 6).

Green space and habitat:
-Increased green space area: 9 hectares of green space will be created (Ref. 3).
Economic impacts
Unknown
Social and cultural impacts
Social justice and cohesion
Improved liveability
Improved access to urban green space
Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces
Health and wellbeing
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Cultural heritage and sense of place
Protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure
Description of social and cultural benefits
Social justice and cohesion:
-Improvement of liveability/Improved access to urban green space: On the area of the former Sailor Dock, a large open green space will be created for recreation with a water basin that also functions as storage and infiltration basin. On one side of the water basin a step edging will be created that demonstrates the historical quay wall and on the other side the water basin ecological river banks will be created. This area will be surrounded by trees. The Coal Dock and Sailor Dock areas will be developed as public green spaces with diverse vegetation and recreational, playing and sport facilities (Ref. 1, 6).
-Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces: citizens have been highly involved in the planning process of the development of the park by means of organizing a large poll in which 3000 citizens participated, interviews with stakeholders and 1700 citizens who gave their opinions on the designs (Ref. 4).

Health and wellbeing:
-Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: it is expected that because of the large variety of different recreational facilities, the park will attract a large variety of citizens and allow for various festivities ranging from neighborhood events to large festivals (Ref. 2).

Cultural heritage and sense of place:
-Protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure: cultural heritage is restored by means of creating three 'tables' that resemble the three historical docks and steps at the water basin that resembles the historical quay wall and the park benefits the cultural centers (Ref. 1).
Type of reported impacts
Expected impacts
Indicators
hectares of green space (Ref. 3)
Environmental, social and economic impacts
Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16)
Regeneration, land-use and urban development
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Water management (SDG 6)
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
No information available
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
This project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An article from May 13, 2020 indicated that "The construction of the underground car park on the Gedempte Zuiderdokken is in the restart phase after the works have been halted for several weeks as a result of the corona crisis. This will also delay delivery. Only when the works are up to cruising speed can a new timing be drawn up... Only when the yard is back at cruising speed can a realistic estimate be made of full completion. "

Available at: https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/antwerpen/werken-ondergrondse-parking-gedempte-zuiderdokken-vertraagd-door-coronavirus-zitten-momenteel-volop-in-heropstartfase~a84e0eaa/ (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
Methods of impact monitoring
Process of recording NBS impacts
No evidence in public records
Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
Unknown
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
Yes
Link to monitoring/evaluation reports
https://assets.antwerpen.be/srv/assets/api/download/ba1dd491-bda9-4bad-a104-3ec…
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Questionnaire
Interview
Focus Group
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
Web links relevant to the intervention
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
Documents relevant to the intervention
Attachment Size
Results of participation process (monitoring report) (52.75 KB) 52.75 KB
List of references
1. Gemeente Antwerpen (2017). Goedkeuring schetsontwerp Gedempte Zuiderdokken. [online] Available at: https://www.antwerpen.be/nl/overzicht/gedempte-zuiderdokken/detail/goedkeuring-schetsontwerp-gedempte-zuiderdokken (Website not available in 2020).
2. Gemeente Antwerpen (2017). Schetsontwerp voor Dok Zuid. [online] Available at: https://www.antwerpenmorgen.be/nl/projecten/gedempte-zuiderdokken/doe-mee/gedempte-zuiderdokken-participatie-26-nov-16 (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
3. Het Laatste Nieuws (2016). Antwerpen krijgt ‘Central Park aan de Schelde’. [online] Available at: http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/957/Binnenland/article/detail/2610744/2016/02/09/Antwerpen-krijgt-Central-Park-aan-de-Schelde.dhtml (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
4. Openbaar Groen (2016). Antwerpen / Gedempte Zuiderdokken worden groene stadslong. [online] Available at: https://www.openbaargroen.be/antwerpen-/-gedempte-zuiderdokken-worden-groene-stadslong (Website not available in 2020).
5. TRACTEBEL (n.d.). Dok Zuid. [pdf] Available at: https://www.yumpu.com/nl/document/view/54984889/ontwerp-b-adr-architects-georges-descombes-en-technum-ch-be (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
6. AG VESPA (2017). Gedempte Zuiderdokken. [online] Available at: http://www.agvespa.be/projecten/gedempte-zuiderdokken (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
7. Gemeente Antwerpen (2017). Wateropvang dankzij SPONGE2020. [online] Available at: https://www.antwerpen.be/nl/info/58cfbae2b4ce55111606af61/wateropvang-dankzij-sponge2020 (Website not available in 2020).
8. Vlaams Bouwmeester (n.d.). Projectomschrijving. [online] Available at: http://www.vlaamsbouwmeester.be/nl/instrumenten/open-oproep/projecten/oo22-verwerking07-antwerpen-heraanleg-gedempte-zuiderdokken (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
9. Gemeente Antwerpen (2012). RUP Binnenstad. [online] Available at: http://www.antwerpen.be/docs/Stad/Stadsvernieuwing/Bestemmingsplannen/RUP_11002_214_10008_00001/RUP_11002_214_10008_00001_0003Feitelijketoesta_tn.html (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
10. European Union (n.d.). Interreg: European Territorial Cooperation. [online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/nl/policy/cooperation/european-territorial/ (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
11. AG VESPA (2011). Over AG VESPA. [online] Available at: www.agvespa.be/over-ag-vespa (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
12. Gemeente Antwerpen (2015). Participatie Gedempte Zuiderdokken - Resultaten. Antwerp: Municipality of Antwerp. [pdf] Available at: https://assets.antwerpen.be/srv/assets/api/download/ba1dd491-bda9-4bad-a104-3ecacce96206/20110620_RAPP_Resultaten%20participatie.pdf (Accessed: October 9, 2020).
Additional comments
Additional links:

https://www.yumpu.com/nl/document/view/54984889/ontwerp-b-adr-architects-georges-descombes-en-technum-ch-be (Design of the park)

http://www.agvespa.be/projecten/gedempte-zuiderdokken (Elaborate description of park development plan)

https://www.antwerpen.be/nl/info/58cfbae2b4ce55111606af61/wateropvang-dankzij-sponge2020 (Intervention as SPONGE 2020 project (EU funded project))
Comments and notes
Comments
As there was not enough space to explain the role of AG VESPA in detail: AG VESPA is a 'Autonoom gemeentebedrijf voor vastgoed en stadsprojecten in Antwerpen' which literally means 'Autonomous municipal public works department for real estate and city projects in Antwerp'. It has been created in 2003 by the municipality of Antwerp to manage and sell buildings owned by the municipality and it has grown towards a real estate public works department. It is the commissioning party for public real estate and city projects representing the municipality of Antwerp (Ref. 11).
Additional insights
‘Gedempte Zuiderdokken’ means Damped Southern Docks, referring to historical docks that were ‘damped’ (filled up as public space) in 1969. Already in 1885 the municipality designated the area for the development of the park, but this never actually happened. Instead, a large parking lot was created that could also be used for events. In 2012 the municipality decided to create a ‘zone of public domain’ in the area (Ref. 9).
Pictures of the NBS
/sites/default/files/nbs/images/centralpark.jpg
/sites/default/files/nbs/images/dokzuid.jpg
Public Images
Central Park of Antwerp (2018)
Central Park of Antwerp (2018)
AG VESPA, TRACTEBEL – ADR Architects – Georges Descombes & Les Eclairistes Associés & Erik De Waele, retrieved 08/28/2018
Central Park of Antwerp (2018)
Central Park of Antwerp (2018)
AG VESPA, TRACTEBEL – ADR Architects – Georges Descombes & Les Eclairistes Associés & Erik De Waele, retrieved 08/28/2018