Renovation and urban vision as a strategy for Linkeroever / Voka Antwerp Real Estate 2026

Transforming a neighbourhood starts with a simple question: what do we do with what is already there? Patrick Lootens, founder of POLO.platform, shared his perspective on the future of Linkeroever, during the panel discussion at Voka Antwerp Real Estate 2026. 

Much of the existing building stock no longer meets today’s expectations. The challenge is not to replace it, but to make buildings relevant and valuable again, with future-proofing, flexibility, efficient use of space and sustainability built in from the very start of the process.

Europark is a clear example. Its strategic task is not to replace the existing housing blocks, but to finally deliver on the original promise of the neighbourhood. By opening up the buildings to their surroundings and bringing the shared spaces back to life, a collection of isolated residential blocks can grow into a more coherent urban district.

That kind of transformation cannot happen building by building. It calls for a spatial vision for the neighbourhood as a whole, and for the courage to adjust outdated zoning and master plans when they no longer match current needs. Linkeroever is a place where this is taking shape: the City of Antwerp is working on new master plans and spatial plans for Europark, the Scheldt riverbanks, Katwilgweg and Sint-Anneke Plage, while the district is also a testing ground for the city’s climate-neutral ambitions.

Linkeroever can transform into a fully integrated part of the city, a strong urban and architectural vision will help to realise the neighbourhood’s potential.