Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In August 2025, 2060 United, led by Frederik Picard, united 40 Antwerp North organisations to push a three-point plan on public spaces, mobility, and long-term housing and safety improvements.
As VRT News reported, 40 organisations in Antwerp North have joined under the name “2060 United” to call for more investment in the area. 2060 United has presented a three-point plan for the neighbourhood.
The first point focuses on improving the quality of life through more public spaces where residents can meet and interact. 40 local organisations are working together to ensure the city addresses these issues and provides sustainable improvements for Antwerp North and the Seefhoek neighbourhood.
What is 2060 United’s 3-point plan for Antwerp North?
The second focus of 2060 United’s plan is to improve the well-being of residents in Antwerp North. Frederik Picard of the coalition says this includes several key elements. A high-quality housing policy is essential to provide safe and suitable living conditions.
The final point of the coalition’s plan focuses on safety. Picard notes that improvements cannot rely only on police interventions after incidents happen. He mentioned that a continuous and proactive approach is needed to address issues such as drug-related nuisance, street intimidation, social unrest, and traffic hazards.
To emphasise the urgency, 2060 United invited people to sign a soccer ball, which was then presented by representatives of 2060 United to the board members of both the district council and the city council. They expect to meet soon with the Antwerp city council to discuss this plan.
“We’re reaching out, but we also expect a seat at the table,”
Picard concludes.
The coalition 2060 United was created in August 2025 to address problems in Antwerp North. 40 local organisations joined forces to demand more investment in housing, safety, and community facilities. The group formed after the fatal stabbing at Duinplak Square at the end of May 2025.
In June 2025, the city of Antwerp designated Antwerp North as its first official “designated neighbourhood”, signalling a focus on improvement. Residents and local groups, however, say more structural investment is needed to address problems in housing, safety, and public facilities.
A similar project took place in Antwerp Linkeroever in 2018, when local organisations and residents worked with the city to address safety, mobility, and public space issues. The initiative focused on improving housing quality, creating more green spaces, and enhancing street safety through better lighting and traffic measures. In the Borgerhout neighbourhood project in 2020, local groups collaborated with authorities to tackle social unrest, drug-related nuisance, and community well-being.
