How the redevelopment of a neighborhood can lead to gentrification

Abstract

Can the process of gentrification be revealed in one of Antwerp’s most trendy and expensive neighborhoods of this moment and to what extent did it impact the social and built environment? This paper offers insight in the events that possibly led to gentrification on het Eilandje, more precisely de Oude Dokken, and the impact this had on the area. It will systematically review the Dutch and English literature regarding gentrification combined with data provided by and of the city of Antwerp, the history of the researched area, and fieldwork. This will lead to the conclusion that during the dynamic history of de Oude Dokken, the process of gentrification indeed occurred. The paper turns to the negative and positive impacts this process had on the built and social environment. It will be argued that the most prominent negative impact the process had on de Oude Dokken, was the homogenization of the social composition of the neighborhood and more specifically the expelling of earlier residents by wealthier residents. Although it could be argued the negative consequences outweigh the positive, one benefit should be highlighted. Due to the gentrification of the area, which was partially caused by the involvement of the government, the previously abandoned harbor area regained its vibrancy. The area that previously felt disconnected from the city center, is now perceived as a trendy and lively extension of it.