Green future for Hemiksem: first tree planted on former Bekaert site
15 October 2025
Mayor Luc Bouckaert and Alderman Jenne Meyvis today planted the first tree on the remediated Bekaert site in Hemiksem, together with project developers Straco Real Estate, Compagnie Het Zoute and Novus Projects. This symbolic act marks the official start of Park aan de Stroom, one of the most sustainable and green residential developments along the River Scheldt. With the remediation of the site now complete, construction works are beginning and the large public park of 8 hectares will be laid out. “This is a very important milestone for the project, one we have been looking forward to for a long time,” say the developers.
Due to its industrial past, the former Bekaert site suffered from historical soil contamination. Over the past three years, specialised companies DEME Environmental and Aertssen Infra have meticulously remediated the polluted soil. Today, this phase has been successfully completed, making way for a new, green residential environment.
To celebrate this symbolic moment, Mayor Luc Bouckaert, Alderman Meyvis and the consortium Compagnie Het Zoute, Straco Real Estate and Novus Projects planted the first tree of the future park, covering no less than 8 hectares – the equivalent of 11 football pitches. Together with the new residential units, the park will form the foundation of a sustainable and vibrant neighbourhood.
“After three years of intensive remediation, this is a very special moment for Hemiksem. The Bekaert site is being given a second life as one of the greenest residential neighbourhoods along the Scheldt. With 8 hectares of parkland, we are not just creating homes, but an entire living environment where nature and community take centre stage. This is something we can truly be proud of.”
— Mayor Luc Bouckaert
“Park aan de Stroom will be an example of how industrial heritage can be transformed into a sustainable, green residential environment where families enjoy living. This 8-hectare park will become the green heart of our municipality and shows that remediation and redevelopment can go hand in hand with sustainability and quality of life.”
— Alderman Jenne Meyvis
Riverside residential neighbourhood takes shape with 128 units in first phase
Alongside the green oasis and the River Scheldt, a new residential neighbourhood will soon rise: Park aan de Stroom. The first phase will provide a new home for 128 families. The project offers a diverse range of housing options, from apartments with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms and spacious terraces overlooking the Scheldt, to single-family homes with 3 or 4 bedrooms and private gardens.
“There is a strong demand in Antwerp for high-quality homes with gardens, and with Park aan de Stroom we are responding to that need. In addition, the apartments with generous terraces and views of the Scheldt are truly unique.”
— Stefan Franck, on behalf of the developers
In the car-light Park aan de Stroom, the developers place a strong emphasis on social cohesion, accessibility and opportunities for meeting. The new park, the redeveloped Scheldt riverbanks and several green inner areas will serve as meeting places for residents and the surrounding neighbourhood. The landscape zones have been designed to enhance biodiversity: from grasslands to soft riverbanks, each area provides space for birds, insects and small mammals.
Sales start on 18 October
Sales of the first phase will begin during the weekend of 18 and 19 October. Interest in Park aan de Stroom is already strong, thanks in part to its unique location and green character. The new residential neighbourhood is easily accessible: the cycling highway runs along the site, the water bus is within walking distance, and public transport, including Hemiksem railway station, is just around the corner. Antwerp and Brussels are also easily accessible from this location.
Residents will have plenty to enjoy in the surrounding area. They will be able to relax in the extensive on-site park, as well as in the nearby Kruibeke Polders and the Maaienhoek nature reserve. Sports enthusiasts can play a match at the Hemix Padel and Beach Club or visit the Cleydael Golf & Country Club. Culture lovers can explore the nearby St Bernard’s Abbey.
Prices for apartments start at €249,000 (excluding costs) for a one-bedroom apartment and from €429,000 (excluding costs) for a two-bedroom apartment with frontal views of the Scheldt. Houses start from €349,000 (excluding costs).
“Future residents will find themselves in a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood with a great deal to offer, where they can truly enjoy living in green surroundings. We are doing everything we can to ensure that Park aan de Stroom becomes a real added value for the municipality of Hemiksem and all its residents.”
— Stefan Franck, on behalf of the developers
