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Renovation of Antwerp's most beautiful street

Redevelopment of Cogels-Osylei

Cogels-Osylei, considered by many to be the most beautiful street in Antwerp, is in need of renovation. The road surface is in poor condition and the pavements show subsidence. The sewerage, lighting and tram infrastructure also need urgent attention. The District of Berchem decided to undertake the reconstruction of the entire street. Water-link, in collaboration with Aquafin, is tackling the sewer system: the current mixed sewer system that collects both waste and rain water will be replaced by a separate sewer system in which waste water and rain water are discharged separately. In addition, De Lijn will use the works to renew the tram tracks. This reconstruction will turn the Cogels-Osylei into a residential-friendly street with an optimal balance between an authentic character and today's requirements in terms of comfort and sustainability. The street will have a look that fits its status as the 'calling card' of both the neighbourhood and the city.

Separate Sewer System

Based on the stormwater and water management plans for the city of Antwerp, the area around the Cogels-Osylei requires a strong focus on local rainwater buffering and infiltration. We are constructing a climate-resilient, separate sewer system. This project must take into account the following considerations:

The low groundwater level (more than 4.5 meters deep).
Highly permeable subsoil.
No connection possible to the major green-blue structures (such as parks, streams, etc.).
No unnecessary discharge of rainwater; only wastewater will be directed to the water treatment plant.

However, for this project, the available surface area is limited to implement significant depaving within the public domain. Additionally, strict conditions apply regarding heritage preservation and mobility use, affecting the final appearance of the street. Therefore, underground facilities will be implemented to achieve the objectives of water retention and infiltration. Rainwater falling on the public domain will be channeled through street gutters to new underground infiltration facilities. This can be achieved using porous, water-permeable pipes, which will be installed in the new, widened sidewalks.

Renewed tram infrastrucutre

On behalf of the public transport company De Lijn, new tram infrastructure will be installed on the Cogels-Osylei and the eastern part of Burgemeester Edgar Ryckaertsplein.

To preserve the historical character of this street, the new tramway will be constructed using prefabricated concrete slabs with integrated cobblestones. This innovative system, a first for Antwerp, ensures that the tram tracks blend seamlessly into the beautiful street. Additionally, this concrete surface offers benefits for tram operations: it is more durable and provides a more stable and quieter ride.