The Europark occupies a special place within the master plan for the revaluation of the Left Bank. The residential area, dominated by high blocks, which largely consists of social housing, is being completely overhauled.

“The neighborhood already has a green character. Through the master plan, we have the opportunity to connect the existing open and green spaces such as the Middenvijver, the Galgenweel, the Sint-Annabos and the Scheldt banks,” says Alderman for Urban Development Annick De Ridder (N-VA).

The most drastic is the renovation of the high-rise buildings at the Europark. There are eighteen high-rise blocks of social housing. It was decided not to demolish the buildings, but to modernize them through sustainable renovation.

That will not have to move the following quantities in the coming steps. The aim is to build extra in the district. The aim is to increase the number of buildings by 30 percent. This must be achieved by placing houses next to the existing blocks.

Contemporary comfort

“The high-rise blocks currently do not meet the requirements for contemporary comfort and modern standards for living space. The renovation gives us the opportunity to improve the high-rise buildings in the Europark. the district receives new public functions and is created there,” says alderman for Wonen Els Van Doesburg (N-VA).

The outlines of the design were approved last week. The master plan should be fully ready in the second half of next year. The renovation, perhaps in the course of 2023, will start with the original residential blocks at the intersection of Avenue Charles de Coster. Afterwards, work will continue in the direction of Gloriantlaan.

Along with the renovation, the existing greenery on the Left Bank must also be better connected with the high-rise district. This will be done, among other things, by connecting new inner areas with green zones such as the Sint-Annabos and the banks of the Scheldt.