Rectorate car park becomes bicycle parkingThe car park next to the Rectorate will be demolished from mid-May 2025 and transformed into bicycle parking with nearly 1,000 spaces and more greenery.
The car park next to the Rectorate will be demolished from mid-May 2025 and transformed into bicycle parking with nearly 1,000 spaces and more greenery.
Why is the car park disappearing?
The car park at the Rectorate was used by Ghent University staff and visitors. Due to concrete corrosion, the parking structure has become unsafe and must be demolished. The entire parking facility (ground floor to level -2) will be removed and replaced with a new bicycle parking.
The number of car parking spaces will be reduced from 192 to 106. Only the car parking spaces under the Ufo will remain, and eight loading and unloading bays for cars will be created along the waterfront.
Ghent University has deliberately chosen not to construct a large new car park in the city centre. This aligns with our strategic plans: the future plan for campuses in Ghent by 2050, the sustainability framework, and Ghent University’s mobility policy, which has adopted a car-reducing parking approach since 2021. For example, staff living within a 5 km radius no longer automatically receive parking rights.
In its place, a new bicycle parking will be built, offering space for nearly 1,000 bicycles. This will eventually make the bicycle racks at the student square and in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat redundant, freeing up more space in the area.
What will the new bicycle parking look like?
The new facility will accommodate a total of 939 bicycles and cargo bikes: 653 open spaces for students and visitors, and 286 spaces for staff in a secured area.
A bicycle ramp will be built on the Rectorate side, providing access to the bicycle parking and connecting Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat with the Scheldekade 12 metres below.
A large atrium of 400 m² will bring daylight into the bicycle parking and allow for greening of the surrounding area.
Via the ramp near the Technicum and the Ufo terrace, the facility will be connected to the De Brug student restaurant. The area between the Ufo and De Brug will be redeveloped at the same time into an inviting student square.
How long will the works last?
The Rectorate car park and entrance will be out of service for four years: in 2025 and 2026 during the construction of the bicycle parking, and continuing until early 2029 during the renovation of the Rectorate.
Noisy construction work will be paused during exam periods.
Where can visitors and staff park during the works?
From mid-May 2025, parking at the Rectorate or Ufo will no longer be possible. The entrance at Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25 will remain accessible only to pedestrians, emergency services, and construction traffic.
Parking by bicycle
The secured staff bicycle parking under the Ufo is no longer accessible and will eventually be replaced by the new bicycle parking.
The nearest covered bicycle parkings are in Vooruit (372 spaces) and De Krook (542 spaces).
You can also use the public bicycle stands in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat or in front of building T2 (on the slope between the student square and Technicum).
Staff bikes are available at the base of building T1 (on level -4 in the secured bicycle parking). You can still reserve and collect a key at the Rectorate reception.
10 service vehicles will be available at Campus Tweekerken car park (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration). Keys remain available at the Rectorate reception desk.
A limited number of alternative parking spaces will be made available. Those who currently have access to the Rectorate - Ufo car park will receive an e-mail by the end of April with further instructions on how to request an alternative parking space in one of these car parks:
During construction of the bicycle parking, deliveries to the Rectorate are limited. The entrance at Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25 remains accessible only to pedestrians, emergency services, and site traffic.
Only small deliveries can still be made to the Rectorate reception. Delivery vehicles can temporarily stop in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat. Large deliveries (on pallets) are not possible.
To avoid incorrect deliveries, it is essential to remind suppliers that deliveries must be made to the delivery address, not the billing address.
More about Campus Ufo: building projects
After the car park works, the Rectorate will undergo a full renovation.
Campus Ufo will also see the creation of a new student centre and student square, and building T4 will be repurposed.
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