For the time being, Antwerp Cathedral will not be getting a second tower made of beams of light. A record number of 7,000 residents of the Antwerp City District voted on the matter. They selected 42 other projects that will receive funding from the district’s budget earmarked to promote participation by the public at large.
This year, residents of the Antwerp City District are able to allocate 2.2 million euros to projects that improve neighbourhoods, enhance the appearance of streets, squares and parks, and support residents and local organisations. This ‘participatory budget’ accounts for 10 per cent of the district’s annual budget.
95 ideas were in the running for financial support. 7,000 residents cast their votes, which is a record. Last year, not even half as many Antwerpians voted.
The online voting system was modified this year. Ideas were presented in random order, and voters could swipe through them, just like on popular dating apps.
In the end, 42 projects were selected. These will be carried out from next year onwards. A second tower with spotlights for the cathedral is not among them.
Residents, local associations and the district itself will all carry out projects. Extra trees and other greenery will be planted in a number of streets and neighbourhoods. In the Luchtbal neighbourhood, outdoor sports equipment will be installed, and chess tables will be placed in city park. Funding has also been allocated to projects aimed at bringing people together and making organisations more accessible to everyone.
“A crystal-clear picture”
Vincent Gysels, District Alderman for Participation and the Participatory Budget, is delighted with the high number of votes. “The Participatory Budget is more alive than ever in our district. The record number of participants proves that the reform has worked.”
“But the impact goes beyond the selected projects alone. With more than 7,000 residents involved, we are getting a crystal-clear picture of the needs and priorities in our neighbourhoods, like the high demand for greenery in the streets, investment in community centres and varied cultural offerings. We will take that clear signal on board in our day-to-day policies.”
Information in Dutch on all the selected projects can be found by going to burgerbegroting.be .