Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mechelen plans a Transit W design on the Binnendijle River. It will be a meeting place for young people. The area will connect Transit M with Park Bovensluis and expand the city’s green, recreational riverfront.
As VRT News reported, the City of Mechelen has revealed plans for Transit W, a new recreational area along the Binnendijle River.
“We’re creating a chill zone for young people with a green bank, shade, play areas, and a view of the historic Sluisplein,”
says Kristof Calvo (For Mechelen), Alderman for Youth and Nature and Green Development.
“Almost 10 years after the opening of the now-essential Dileterrassen at Thomas More, we’re creating a new recreational, green, and safe waterfront experience.”
What is Mechelen’s Transit W project along the Binnendijle river?
The project will feature tiered concrete steps that lead down to the water. Officials mentioned that visitors can sit and relax on these steps in the sun or in the shade. The steps also give direct access to the riverbank. A stone walkway will connect all the steps and create a home for wall lizards. A double slide will be added for children.
The project will also include floating islands on the river. These islands are designed to improve water quality and increase safety. City authorities describe Transit W as a multi-use public space that combines recreation, nature, and safety.
The City of Mechelen consulted the public before unveiling the design for Transit W. Officials said the process included extensive feedback from local groups. Youth organisations such as Stroop, J@M, the Children’s Council, and YOUCA shared their ideas. Water sports enthusiasts were also invited to give input on river access and safety. Students from Thomas More contributed suggestions for the space.
The project will also improve access between Transit W and Park Bovensluis. The concrete wall separating the park from the towpath will be removed. This will allow visitors to move easily between the riverside meeting area, Sluisplein, and the park. City officials said the change will make the area more accessible and better connected to surrounding green spaces.
“A pleasant green zone will be created along the Dijle where young people, residents, walkers, cyclists and kayakers come together.”
Kristof Calvo (For Mechelen), Alderman for Youth and Nature and Green Development
“With Transit W and Park Bovensluis, we’re reconnecting the riverbank,”
Calvo continues.
“Along the Dile, we’ll create a vibrant green space where young people, local residents, walkers, cyclists, and kayakers can congregate. This design has already generated an inspiring response after numerous conversations with numerous users. Young people have helped shape the design, and it shows.”
The Transit W project is part of Mechelen’s Masterplan Binnendijle, launched in March 2024 to restore the Binnendijle River and create more public spaces. The plan adds new green areas along the river and improves 8,000 m² of the river’s ecosystem. It also includes a permanent open-water swimming zone at Keerdok, redesigned streets, and public art installations.
The park is expected to open in 2027. The project is funded by the City of Mechelen, the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests, and supported by regional and EU programs. A biodiversity report was published on 20 February 2025.
A similar project took place in Mechelen in 2018 along the Inner Dijle at Zandpoortvest. The city transformed an old parking area into a public waterside space. The project included gentle riverbanks, green landscaping, and wide stone steps for seating along the water.
