In the Grenspark Groot-Saeftinghe, the province of Zeeland will build a panorama hill with a watchtower next year. The plans were recently approved. The project also immediately opens up perspectives for the integration of a radar tower for vessel traffic services. The new radar tower would replace Saeftinghe's current radar. It dates from the 1970s and is due for replacement.

Different functions come together
If we can integrate the new radar tower with the panorama tower, it will have many advantages, says Leo Steenbakker of the Management and Exploitation Team Scheldt Radar Chain: “Technically it is an ideal location, right next to the Western Scheldt. It is also advantageous administratively and financially to combine both projects. The best thing is, of course, that different functions come together in one location: a natural experience, a tourist attraction and the economic function of the radar for shipping. ”
Before that happens, there are still some practical objections to be overcome. Steenbakker: “The project for the panorama tower is well advanced. To be able to get involved, we have to draw up the technical plan for the radar tower in the very near future. We are now looking for an external partner for this. ”
View on the Scheldt
Groot-Saeftinghe border park includes the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe and the depoldered Prosper and Hedwige polder. From next year, a panoramic hill of about 28 meters high will be built in the middle of the water, with a watchtower on top. There, visitors will have a magnificent view over the Scheldt, the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe and the port area of Antwerp.
A decision on the integration of the radar tower is expected at the end of 2020. If everything goes smoothly, the new radar will be operational in 2022.