2025-04-23

Why is there a castle in the Royers Lock construction pit?

‘The little castle’ is the nickname of old lock master's house of the Royers Lock in Antwerp. To safeguard this listed building during the renovation at the Royers Lock, a system of support beams and walls has been installed.

Zicht op de Sluismeesterswoning vande Royerssluis, bijgenaamd Het Kasteeltje, een gebouw in neo-Vlaamserenaissance-stijl naar een ontwerp van stadsbouwmeester Alexis Van Mechelen, met links de SAMGA magazijnen en rechts het sluis- en brugwachtershuisje A18.

House with stature

This unique house was the home of the lock master: the director of the lock. He was responsible for operating the lock and allowing ships to enter or exit the port. This was a significant position, accompanied by a house of notable status. Reflecting this, architect Alexis Van Mechelen, best known for the opera house and city festival hall in Antwerp, designed the lock master's house in the neo-Flemish Renaissance style.  The distinctive small tower on the side of the building gives it the nickname 'little castle'.  Contractors Louis Coiseau and Jean Cousin built the lock master's house between 1904 and 1907; they were also responsible for the construction of Zeebrugge's first port.

Future of the Royers Lock

The Royers Lock connects the Scheldt to the Albert Canal and is one of the oldest locks in Antwerp. In need of refurbishment, a major renovation began in 2021. The Royers Lock will be extended by 50 metres in length and 14 metres in width. As a result, even the largest barges will be able to pass through the lock in the future. Did you know you can follow the renovation at the Royers Lock via a livestream?

Protection of the castle

What about the lock keeper's house? It stands proudly among all the works. The building must be preserved as it is a protected monument. This is why there are concrete walls supporting the posts under the house. Cross beams in the basement also help secure the house's foundation. Sensors on the beams measure vibrations in the building to ensure that the works do not excessively disturb the monument. The works are scheduled for completion by 2028. An underground connection will link the old lock master's house to the new lock. This will allow the Royers Lock to be operated from the lock master's house, just as before. In this way, past and present are quite literally connected.

You might also find this interesting

News

News

Works and projects

Works and projects