Impressions of Belgium, i. Antwerpen Station.

Antwerp's main railway station is an object lesson in how to modernise and improve a fine Victorian building. At ground level is an uncluttered, clear area for passengers, well-signed and with few interruptions to a straight stroll across the platforms. The shops are information booths are arranged in the old arches around the periphery: a great contrast to the messy stalls and shops which clutter British stations making the places so difficult and unpleasant to navigate. High above the main entrance is a magnificent rose window set in a series of arches, a testament to imagination and appreciation of art and good architecture for the public’s sake.

What has been changed is below ground level: three layers of underground platforms taking the majority of trains through high halls of concrete and red-brick columns, retaining the light and spacious feel of the older constructions. The passengers have lots of space, there's no feeling of being crowded at all.

The contrast with any new British station is depressing: why can’t we manage to build something as good? St Pancras is vaunted as a trimph but it’s nothing in comparison to the job done in Antwerp.


:o)