Antwerp does not agree with Infrabel’s asking price for the site of the future Spoorpark (Antwerp)

The realization of the Spoorpark between the Antwerp Zurenborg district and the Luitenant Naeyaertplein in Borgerhout runs into a discussion about the price of the land. The city of Antwerp is not prepared to pay the price that railway manager Infrabel is asking.

READ ALSO. Construction of Railway Park between Draakplaats and Luitenant Naeyaertplein a little closer, but Infrabel has not yet released land

A park will eventually be built parallel to the elevated railway between the Antwerp Draakplaats and the Luitenant Naeyaertplein in Borgerhout. These plans have a long history with information sessions with the neighborhood and the preparation of a preliminary design. A final design is now being worked on. This would be approved by the city council after the summer. Construction of the Spoorpark would then start in the autumn of 2025.

However, an important decision still needs to be made before that happens. Negotiations with Infrabel, owner of the land, are not going smoothly. This is evident from the answer of Urban Development Councilor Annick De Ridder (N-VA) to a question from councilor Ilse van Dienderen (Green). Negotiations about this have reportedly been going on for three years.

“There is still a substantial spread between Infrabel’s asking price and the estimated value,” says De Ridder. “Until an agreement has been reached on this, we cannot continue with the realization of this project. I deeply regret this turn of events. We can prepare everything to realize these great plans, but this obviously requires approval from Infrabel. As long as this agreement is not there, no spade will be dug.”

Constructive partner

Infrabel and the city of Antwerp do not want to say what the value of the site is. Infrabel would ask for much more than the estimated value. If negotiations on the purchase of the site were to fail, there would only be a cycle path.

“We have offered the city of Antwerp several options and are waiting for an answer,” says Infrabel spokesperson Frédéric Picard. “We act as a constructive partner in this regard. The price we ask is in line with the market and we follow the legal rules. Our specialists will soon meet again with the city council to discuss this file.”

There has also been an adjustment in the design of the Spoorpark. One of the two platforms with awning cannot be preserved due to an underground high-voltage line.