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Q-Park Belgium’s Zuiderdokken in Antwerp won the prestigious ‘Best New Parking Structure’ award at the 2025 European Parking Conference. The award recognises Q-Park's parking facility at the Gedempte Zuiderdokken, which had one clear ambition: to create an environment reminiscent of Central Park, with ample capacity for parking bicycles and cars.

This parking facility is much more than a traditional car park; it offers a solution for urban mobility that focuses on accessibility and liveability.

The underground car park has transformed the former open-air parking area into a multifunctional public space with city gardens, sports facilities, play areas and an event square. It has significantly improved the quality of life in Antwerp 't Zuid.

An infiltration system stores rain water which helps keep the city gardens green. Located close to Antwerp's popular museums, the development offers EV charging points, shared mobility options and smart technologies. This parking facility contributes to an efficient, sustainable and safe parking experience for both residents and visitors.

Part of Antwerp’s rich heritage

Q-Park Zuiderdokken has transformed an area with a rich heritage. Originally, home to a sixteenth century fort, later excavated to create docks for the bustling coal and coke trade in the 1870s. In 1969, the disused docks were filled in and became an open-air car park with some 2,000 spaces. Now, by creating this dynamic public space, the city opens a new chapter in Antwerp's heritage.

As the new millennium began, the city placed urban transformation high on its agenda. A Central Park-style vision inspired the city's ambitious plans to integrate greenery with underground parking, creating multifunctional public spaces.

Together with the Antwerp wayfinding icons, the exposed dock walls strengthen the connection with the community.

During construction, the historic dock walls were exposed and retained, which links the modern parking facilities to their historical background.

Exchanging grey for green

The new design transforms grey asphalt into a green park, it:

• removes cars from public space;

• returns scarce public space to residents and visitors;

• involves all stakeholders, so everyone is a winner;

• incorporates sustainable design for social, technical, operational, economic and financial aspects;

• optimises mobility and parking, enhancing liveability.

The Gedempte Zuiderdokken transformation is now complete. The southern parking facility, Q-Park Steendok was opened in December 2020, and the second ‘dock’ parking facility to the north, Q-Park Kooldok, welcomed the first vehicles in July 2022.

Entrance to bicycle parking

Charging lockers in the bicycle parking area

Together, the two facilities form Q-Park Zuiderdokken, providing:

• 1,996 parking spaces for cars;

• 126 EV charging points;

• 303 spaces for bicycles, including charging lockers and a bicycle repair station;

• shared last-mile micromobility options;

• ample parking for people with reduced mobility.

The parking facility features one-way traffic and angled parking, enhancing visibility on the parking deck and improving the customer experience.

Features for motorists include:

• dynamic signage which informs and guides motorists to vacant parking spaces on each level;

• bespoke signage,

  • red: to guide motorists to additional floors and/or the exit,

  • light blue: to guide motorists to EV charging points;

• above average lighting levels and smart positioning of LED lights (left and right of driving lane) support maximum orientation and a sense of safety for motorists;

• smart cameras to monitor all parking equipment related activities;

• Q-Park’s remote Parking Hosts / Mobile Teams are on call 24/7.

Features for pedestrians include:

• clear, well-lit and intuitively marked pedestrian routes;

• wayfinding with our bespoke green signage and ‘Antwerp icons’ to help visitors remember where they have parked and which entrance to use when returning to their vehicle;

• six secure pedestrian entrances, each with payment machines, lifts and stairs;

• above average lighting levels, transparent structures, including glass doors and partitions to maximise orientation and enhance customers' feeling of safety;

The grey for green ambition removed cars from public space, returning space to the public. Residents now have their own place to develop green and healthy initiatives, enhancing liveability.