Waterfront – Research Park University of Antwerpen

The 'Researchpark Waterfront' is being built in the town of Niel and is surrounded by existing residential areas, non polluting factories, public green areas, existing roads and a railway line. An extended buffer zone is present between the science park and its surroundings. The site covers about 32 hectares and the project is harmoniously implanted into the green environment. The buildings are low-slung, erected with natural materials, to achieve optimum integration into the existing scenery. The architectural concept refers to the historical brick making activity in this region and projects a high-quality image. Four lakes of water, filling the old clay pits of the former "Kapittel" brickwork factory, create a unique atmosphere. Thanks to the collaboration with the University and the other knowledge centres close by, the Waterfront Research Park has a distinct character of its own. The prestigious objectives of the science park, following the trend towards "Green Offices, Cottage Research" and "Office Castles" make it attractive to investors wishing to maintain or to establish a co-operation with the university. "Waterfront" fully matches the expectations placed on this type of working environment. Furthermore, one may state that currently it is very difficult to find other sites meeting the above mentioned accommodations in Flanders.