ANTWERP

Description and problem statement:

Spoor Nord, an industrial area of 29 ha size, located between the northern part of the 19th century urban ring, the central residential districts and the port area, was formerly used as a shunting yard, repair and maintenance depot of the Belgian Railways (NMBS).
Great amount of derelict post-industrial land, well supplied with reinforced constructions and elements of the infrastructure, creates an enormous barrier between the surrounding areas. Local neighbourhoods of Dam, Stuivenberg and Seefhoek have been dominated by the gigantic technical infrastructure of the yard. In addition the difficult spatial conditions and poor quality of the residential structures, the area suffers from high population density, social deprivation and isolation. The districts are in need for spacious green areas and public open spaces, as well as the access to the sport, recreation and cultural facilities