Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp plans big upgrades to Meir, Leysstraat, and Jezusstraat by 2028, adding wider sidewalks, warm lighting, greenery, and climate measures. Alderman Ken Casier (N-VA) leads the project.
As VRT News reported, the city and district of Antwerp are making big changes to the Meir and nearby streets. This includes Leysstraat, Jezusstraat, and Twaalfmaandenstraat. They mentioned that the goal is to make this area better for everyone. The plan focuses on making it easy for people to walk around. The streets will get wider.
The sidewalks will be made of good materials that will last a long time. There will also be places to sit and rest along the Meir. The plan also makes sure that emergency vehicles and delivery trucks can still get through. They will be able to do their jobs without bothering the people walking.
How will Antwerp transform Meir and nearby streets?
According to the officials, the changes also include better lighting and more plants. The new lights will be like the lights at Antwerp’s Grote Markt and Central Station. They will be warm. There will also be new plants and trees added to the streets.
“We want visitors to be able to enjoy shopping here, sitting on a terrace or the surrounding valuable heritage,”
says Alderman Ken Casier (N-VA).
The Antwerp project includes climate change plans, like dealing with heavy rain and heat. They’ll add more green areas and manage rainwater to stop flooding and keep the city cool. Officials mentioned that these changes will improve the look of the streets and make the city healthier. They’re paying special attention to Jezusstraat, planning homes for students, shops, and cultural spots, hoping to create a good neighbourhood that fits into Antwerp’s busy city life.
The Antwerp project is planned to fit well with other projects nearby. The design team is working on the first plans now and aims to finish them by mid-2026. This step will create the detailed plans and instructions for the project. However, the actual construction and changes to the Meir and nearby streets won’t start until 2028 at the earliest.
The Meir is a popular shopping street in Belgium, linking the old city centre to Antwerp Central Station. It’s a busy place, visited by many people every year, including shoppers, tourists, and people who live there.
According to officials, over time, the area has become worn out, with small sidewalks and old buildings. These things don’t meet today’s needs for comfort, easy access, and being environmentally friendly.
Leysstraat, Jezusstraat, and the streets around them have old buildings from the 1800s, with fancy fronts and protected structures. The city plans to make these buildings look even better by using warm lights and fixing the streets.
