Today, Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen officially inaugurated the Spiegelwaal near Nijmegen-Lent. This striking project, which forms a side channel of the river Waal, is an important step in the development of the new island of Veur-Lent, located between the historic city centre and the new Waalsprong district. Surrounded by water, nature and recreation, the island will provide space for urban activities and form a new river park.

On the occasion of the construction of Veur-Lent, a striking work of art was also unveiled: the Thumb of Waste Wood by artist Jelle Korevaar. This impressive 4-metre-high work of art, made of pallets and waste wood, stands on a pontoon in the river Waal. It symbolises the power of reusing materials and the connection between art, nature and the city.

The official public opening of the area will take place on Easter Monday, 28 March 2016.