stakeholder management during the construction of the ‘verdiepte kaaiweg’
The redevelopment of Antwerp’s ‘Scheldekaaien’ is a complex issue due to the many different interests involved. When the city council opted for a deepened quay road, or ‘verdiepte kaaiweg’, several stakeholders struggled to understand the decision. Through intensive stakeholder management, we looked for solutions that addressed these divergent interests.
Client: AG Vespa
Sector: Autonomous municipal company
Location: Antwerp
Year: 2023 - 2024
the question
The ‘Scheldekaaien’ have long been the subject of heated debate. After all, they form an important connecting route through the centre of Antwerp. Cars, cyclists and pedestrians all come together here, which regularly leads to conflicts.
For the central section of the quays, the city council proposed a deepened quay road as the solution: cars and bicycles would travel underground through a tunnel, while pedestrians, hotels, restaurants and bars would have more space above ground. However, this solution created friction among several stakeholders.
a strategy tailored to the project and its surroundings
The major differences of opinion called for a clear overview of all opinions and thorough stakeholder management, at both political and administrative level. In addition, the immediate surroundings needed informative communication. We mapped out these overlapping interests for AG Vespa and worked together on a strategic stakeholder management approach.
our impact
We developed a stakeholder and communication strategy tailored to the neighbourhood, the administrations and political stakeholders, while taking the complexity of the project into account.
stakeholder management
Development of a comprehensive stakeholder mapping and stakeholder management strategy in a complex stakeholder landscape, with differing opinions, political stakeholders and action groups.
pr and press events
We conducted a weekly social listening analysis and press monitoring to closely track which voices were active in the debate.
proximity communication
We conducted an experience survey among cyclists and pedestrians in the project area about their experiences as users of this zone, to support communication. In addition, we supported a public information session about the deepened quay road for residents and the wider public.
team
Curious about this case?
Let’s talk! Michiel would be happy to tell you more.
Philippe De Vries
Senior advisor
Michiel Johnson
Project lead
Robbert Hendrix
Communication advisor
