Averechtse Root

‘Noeveren Concerned’. ‘We want deciduous trees, not Talboom.’ Along the way, you will encounter many protest signs. “Residents are concerned about pollution, vacancy, and the dilapidation of heritage and are opposing apartments on the Rupeldijk,” Annik explains.

And it must be said: as majestic as the former brickworks are, there is indeed a hint of decay and a certain sadness, especially on a rainy day like this. “But it’s certainly not dead here,” Annik assures us. “The houses attract ceramicists and artists, and the Boom cultural center De Steiger organizes numerous activities here.” At junction 246, we stop by a row of houses. “Do you notice anything?” Annik asks. “The front door of the houses is at the back, not on the side where the cars drive.” “This way, the workers didn’t have to take a detour in the morning and were faster on their way to work.”

GVA - Gazet van Antwerpen