Neighborhood Copernicusslaan concerned about asbestos during demolition, according to project developer this is not necessary (Antwerp)

Concerns have arisen in the vicinity of Copernicusslaan in Antwerp about the removal of asbestos panels by the contractor during the demolition of a building. This would not have happened as it should. Real estate developer Ghelamco says the fears are unfounded.

Green municipal councilor Ilse van Dienderen raised local residents’ fears about the demolition of the building with city development councilor Annick De Ridder (N-VA). She showed photos of the demolition of asbestos-containing tiles on a wall. They were pulled from the wall with a crane.

“The photos clearly show that this causes the facade panels to break,” says Van Dienderen. “The risk of the release of dangerous asbestos is therefore high. This method is not as it should be. Only later did someone with protective clothing actually come and remove the last plates. That is why local residents are worried.”

Complaint

Antwerp Alderman De Ridder was not aware of this and did not receive any complaints from local residents. “Certain precautions must be taken when removing asbestos,” says the alderman. “This is laid down in Flemish environmental legislation. If people are concerned, they can always report this via the Blue Line and environmental supervision will then investigate the complaint. There does not necessarily have to be a complaint from a resident. We can also do this on our own initiative. I will now inform the services following the report by councilor Van Dienderen.”

Lorenzo De Lannoy, senior development manager at Ghelamco, reassures local residents. Asbestos was actually found in the building.

“That is why an action plan has been drawn up with the safety coordinators,” says De Lannoy. “A specialized company came to remove the asbestos-containing materials under the supervision of the safety coordinator. There is no doubt whatsoever that everything went right. The concern is unfounded.”

READ ALSO. Ghelamco starts a prestigious new construction project behind Central Station: the VDAB building must first be demolished

The building on Copernicusslaan, where the VDAB used to be located, is making way for the large-scale new construction project Pulse. There will be four building blocks of different heights that will accommodate shops, offices and apartments. For example, the Federal Pension Service, the National Institute for Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (RSVZ) and the VDAB will eventually move there. The Pulse project, an investment of 75 million, would be ready in 2026.