Triangle King Albert Park is being upgraded: “Road safety is a priority” (Antwerp)

There have long been calls for a new look at the Koning Albert and Harmonie Park. Because busy traffic arteries such as Belgiëlei, Mechelsesteenweg and Grotesteenweg make it difficult to find peace and quiet in these green zones. The Antwerp district council also believes that there should be a better connection between the two parks.

In the meantime, De Lijn, the city, the Roads and Traffic Agency and Water-Link have signed a cooperation agreement to tackle the triangle between the Koningin Elisabethlei, the Prins Albertlei and part of the Mechelsesteenweg.

In the first phase, the city will appoint a design agency to develop a concept for the project area. The first works will start in 2027 at the earliest: De Lijn will renew the tram tracks on the Grotesteenweg–Mechelsesteenweg axis, the Harmonie stop will be transformed into a regional mobility hub and the sewers of the entire area will be renovated.

“The entire area around the King Albert Park will undergo a metamorphosis,” says Mobility Alderman Koen Kennis (N-VA). “Traffic safety is the priority. We will provide legible intersections, nicer cycle paths and more comfortable tram stops. This will be a win/win for pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers, public transport users and local residents.”

“Our public space and parks are used intensively by residents and visitors,” said alderman for public domain Erica Caluwaerts (independent). “This also applies to the paths in the Koning Albert and Harmonie Parks. It is crucial that we prepare this park structure for the future efficiently, purposefully and with respect for quality of life and functionality. And we do this in close consultation with local residents.”

District of Antwerp

Antwerp district mayor Paul Cordy (N-VA) and district councilor for Parks and Green Supply Tom Van den Borne (Groen) emphasize that the plan can only succeed if the Antwerp district is fully involved: “In addition, parks and in particular the Albert Park are the responsibility of the district of Antwerp. The project cannot be realized without the investments that the district wants to make here and without the district’s vision being respected.”

Both Cordy and Van den Borne therefore believe that Caluwaerts has spoken out on matters that they believe do not fall within her powers as municipal alderman of the Public Domain. In their opinion, the role that the district plays during the design of the plans has also not been sufficiently mentioned. Since the reconstruction is being carried out at the request of a joint motion from the Antwerp district council.

“The quality of stay in and around the Albert and Harmonie Park is of the utmost importance for the district,” says Van den Borne. “The connections between both parks and the garden around the provincial government building are also our priority. Hopefully, after this false start, real collaboration with the district can be started.”

READ ALSO. Antwerp district council: “Make Harmonie, provincial hall park and Albert park one big green lung”