diff --git a/docs/_includes/partials/header.njk b/docs/_includes/partials/header.njk
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c10244050
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/_includes/partials/header.njk
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+<div style="background: linear-gradient(to right, var(--primary-color-lighter), var(--primary-color)); padding: 2px 20px;">
+   <p style="color: #fff">A new portal is coming! <a href="/about/astro">Check this out.</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<header id="main-header" style="top: 20px;">
+  <div class="content-area">
+    {% for blockName, blockPath in _joiningBlocks.header %}
+      {% include blockPath %}
+    {% endfor %}
+  </div>
+</header>
diff --git a/docs/about/astro.md b/docs/about/astro.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..6aaaec7a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/about/astro.md
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+---
+title: Astro portal
+description: Technically live with Astro (while still fully compatible with Rocket content!)
+---
+
+# Astro Portal Announcement
+
+We are excited to introduce the new version of our portal, now built with the Astro framework! You can access it at <a href="https://lion.js.org/next" rel="noopener noreferrer">/next</a>.
+
+## What’s New?
+
+- **Modern Look & Feel:** The UI will be redesigned in close collaboration with our designers. Expect further improvements as the design team continues to enhance the user experience.
+- **Search Functionality:** Quickly find components and documentation with the new search feature.
+- **Upgraded Dependencies:** All major dependencies and approaches have been updated for better performance, security, and maintainability.
+
+## Compatibility
+
+The new Astro portal is fully compatible with the previous Rocket-based portal. Maintaining the same structure and functionality was a key challenge and priority, ensuring a seamless experience for all users. Both portals will run in parallel in the near term future. During the course of 2026 the Astro portal will become the default.
+
+## For Developers
+
+The technical release of the Astro portal is primarily aimed at developers. We encourage you to explore the new features and provide feedback.
+
+**Found an issue or have a suggestion?**
+Please open an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/ing-bank/lion/issues) and use the tag `#astro`.
+
+Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve the portal!
diff --git a/rocket.config.mjs b/rocket.config.mjs
index 6fb8f08ae..e9716a2fe 100644
--- a/rocket.config.mjs
+++ b/rocket.config.mjs
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ export default {
     eleventyConfig.setUseGitIgnore(false);
     eleventyConfig.addPassthroughCopy('CNAME');
   },
+  checkLinks: {
+    ignoreLinkPatterns: ['**/astro'],
+  },
   absoluteBaseUrl: absoluteBaseUrlNetlify('http://localhost:8080'),
   setupUnifiedPlugins: [
     adjustPluginOptions(mdjsSetupCode, {