Jan Weyts, an 80-year-old architect from Bergen op Zoom, and real estate entrepreneur Peter de Kok have established the Kom over de Brug foundation to raise about €1.2 million for the restoration of a medieval bridge at the Prison Gate and parts of the former city canal. Weyts discovered the largely intact bridge in 1970 while researching the site with fellow students, but it was later covered again beneath the traffic mound in front of the gate during construction of the Westersingel. The plan would remove the asphalt and sand and restore the surrounding area, including the quays on both sides.

The initiators say the project could improve the connection between the historic city centre and the Havenkwartier and give the canal a role in collecting rainwater and providing cooling. The municipality is preparing an urban plan for the Prison Gate area, including changes to the Westersingel, and expects to decide on it in the first quarter of 2027. Restoration of the historic area around the gate is not currently part of that plan. Weyts hopes to walk across the restored bridge again in 2029.