Sint-Niklaas celebrates launch of final two sharing stations

Why buy something you only use occasionally when you can borrow it instead? That idea is driving Sint-Niklaas’ growing network of sharing stations - and on Wednesday evening, the city celebrated the opening of its final two units: BibBox in the Kroonmolenwijk Public Library and KringBox at Kringwinkel Den Azalee.

Launched together with local residents, stakeholders, and project partners, these new stations allow citizens to borrow tools, household appliances and leisure items free of charge. They join the already popular SportBox at De Witte Molen, which has been actively used since last summer for sharing sports equipment.

This project is more than just lockers and apps - it’s about changing habits. By working across departments and with local partners, we’re building a model that combines social inclusion, circular economy, and innovation. It’s exciting to see how much potential this has for our city” 

The pilot in Sint-Niklaas introduces five sharing stations located across three public sites, each selected for accessibility, community reach and strong alignment with local needs.

Multi-sports area – SportBox 
Positioned in a well-attended sports and play zone near schools and the municipal sports hall, the SportBox stations are accessible 24/7. Items include footballs, basketballs, park and beach games, basic fitness equipment, frisbees, spike ball sets, and kubb.

Kringwinkel Den Azalee – KringBox 
Integrated into a popular second-hand store with high daily footfall, the KringBox aligns naturally with the reuse ethos. Its practical inventory includes DIY and household tools such as an extendable ladder, carpet cleaner, wallpaper stripper, extension reel, sewing machine, and cordless drill and hammer drill sets.

Kroonmolenwijk Public Library – BibBox 
Located in a socio-economic neighbourhood with strong interest in shared-use initiatives, the BibBox benefits from the library’s long opening hours, high visitor numbers and established lending culture. Borrowers can access hobby and household equipment including a handheld pressure washer, beamer, moisture meter, cordless drill, and various park and leisure games.

The stations are intended for a wide audience - from neighbourhood residents and families to school groups, sports clubs and visitors to the library and second-hand shop. All items are free to borrow, supporting social inclusion by lowering financial barriers and opening access to quality goods.

In the short term, the pilot aims to provide convenient access to shared goods and collect real-world usage data to optimise the service. Over the longer term, Sint-Niklaas intends to raise awareness around the potential sharing stations hold to change consumption patterns — while contributing to local goals around sustainability, inclusion, well-being and circularity.

With the launch of the BibBox and KringBox, the full network of Sint Niklaas' sharing stations is now active, offering a practical, local alternative to buying items that are only used occasionally.

Citizens of Sint-Niklaas can now register and start borrowing via the Deelstations Sint-Niklaas website.