The Zuidertuin project forms part of the first phase in the development of Nieuw Zuid in Antwerp. Nieuw Zuid will be an entirely new neighbourhood, linking up with the filled-in southern docks, the Scheldt and the courthouse site. Commercial facilities, offices, two schools, nurseries, a sports hall and 2,000 new homes – with social housing spread throughout the neighbourhood rather than concentrated in one area – are set to make Nieuw Zuid a liveable neighbourhood.

Studio Associato Secchi-Viganò drew up the masterplan, focusing on the creation of a sustainable urban neighbourhood with a variety of functions, plenty of green spaces and views of the Scheldt. They collaborated with Bureau Bas Smets, which is working on the creation of a landscape comprising neighbourhood green spaces, a local park and a park strip along the Scheldt.