Garden streets project ‘Tuinstraten’ in Antwerp, Belgium

  ©JeroenBroeckx, City of Antwerp (2021)

Urban context

Tuinstraten is a pilot project that aims to bring green into built-up areas in the city of Antwerp, to adapt to climate change and improve the quality of life of local residents. Actions focus on areas with poor access to green space and populations that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including the elderly, children and people living in social housing. 

Measures and outcomes

The project has created eight ‘garden streets’ in five districts of Antwerp. The streets are designed to include as much greenery as possible and include a range of green features, such as:

• wall gardens
• vegetable gardens
• trees
• planted areas
• lawns.

Streets are designed in collaboration with residents, to meet their needs, and include easy access for the elderly. Residents are responsible for planting and maintaining the street gardens, providing opportunities for immigrants to meet local residents and integrate.

The garden streets reduce heat stress and improve drainage during heavy rain, as sealed areas have been replaced with soil covered by vegetation. The neighbourhoods are more attractive, with less noise and more space for social interactions and outdoor activities. This offers benefits particularly for elderly residents. Local people also benefit from opportunities to grow and harvest edible herbs and vegetables.