During archaeological excavations in preparation for the construction of the new Pomppark Zuid in Antwerp, remnants of the 19th-century Sint-Laureispoort have been unearthed.
The discovery of these gateway remains was anticipated, but the city indicates that far more has been preserved than originally thought. Pomppark Zuid will be the first component of the future Ringpark Groene Vesten, part of the Oosterweel Link’s initiatives to enhance liveability. The park will sit atop the sites of two former city gates: the Kielsepoort and the Sint-Laureispoort—two of the 19 gates of the historic Brialmont fortifications, mostly demolished to make way for Antwerp’s ring road and Singel.
During the planning of the park, it was decided that any uncovered remnants would be integrated into the park’s design as much as possible. The locations of the two gates will serve as the main entrances to the park. Cobblestone paths will mark the old passageways, while walls will indicate the position of the former gatehouses.
Further findings include remnants of four bridge piers, the land-side bridgehead of the access road to Sint-Laureispoort, two bridge piers of the path to Kielsepoort, and the caponnière between the gates. The possibility of incorporating these remains into the park’s design will be reviewed. To ensure preservation, the archaeological items will be covered while in the temporary construction zone, and further study will be conducted.
