Image by Koen De Langhe
Sint-Niklaas (Belgium)
Sint-Niklaas is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium, serving as the capital and largest city of the Waasland region in East Flanders. It is situated between Ghent and Antwerp, and has a history that dates back to the 13th century when a church was built in honor of Saint Nicholas. Historically known for its textile industry, Sint-Niklaas now boasts a diverse economy with a focus on manufacturing, services, and commerce.
Throughout the year, Sint-Niklaas hosts various cultural festivals, markets, and concerts, attracting visitors from the region. The city also offers green spaces such as the Provincial Domain De Ster, providing opportunities for relaxation and recreation with its lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
Sint-Niklaas stands as a beacon of sustainable urban development and innovation. Particularly through its active participation in the CIVITAS Prosperity and CIVITAS Park4SUMP projects, Sint-Niklaas has initiated various projects and initiatives aimed at promoting active mobility, reducing carbon emissions, and improving the overall quality of life. Beyond these projects, Carl Hanssens also represented Sint-Niklaas in the CIVITAS Policy Advisory Committee since 2018, which is a group of leading and dedicated elected politicians that act as an advisory board to the CIVITAS Initiative and network of cities. And finally, the city is also a member of CIVINET.BE.
All of this serves as a testament to Sint-Niklaas' proactive approach to sustainable urban mobility, positioning the city as a leader in the transition towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban future.
Fast Facts
82,000
Population
84.2 km2
City area