Mechelen opposition seeks clarity on city funding for chef Seppe Nobels' project amid financial practice accusations

Marc Hendrickx, a council member in Mechelen representing the N-VA party, has formally requested detailed information from the city administration regarding financial support provided to chef Seppe Nobels' non-profit organization and the renovation of the historic 't Gasthuis building. This inquiry follows recent media reports concerning Nobels and his organization.

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Measurement is knowing. It is only natural that the opposition asks questions about this.

Hendrickx specifically wants to know the total subsidies 'UnitedWe,' Nobels' vzw, received from the city in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He is also seeking information on whether the city contributed to the renovation costs of 't Gasthuis, which temporarily housed Nobels' social restaurant. "Measurement is knowing," Hendrickx stated. "It is only natural that the opposition asks questions about this."

Pia Indigne, the alderman for Heritage, responded that the renovation costs for 't Gasthuis are unrelated to Nobels' project. She explained that the city invested in stabilizing the building after years of neglect, following its return to city ownership after a period of vacancy. For the temporary restaurant space, Nobels' organization paid a monthly fee of 2,500 euros for part of the ground floor.

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After years of vacancy, the Gasthuis returned to city ownership. We made the necessary investments to stabilize the building, which was necessary after years of neglect and the demolition of Zwartzustersvest.

Indigne further clarified that during the European Presidency festival 'Construct Europe,' Nobels' project received a one-time grant of 25,000 euros for public engagement and artistic support at 't Gasthuis. She emphasized that any investments made during this temporary project remained city property. However, Hendrickx disagrees, asserting that modifications were made to the building specifically to accommodate Nobels' project and pointed out that a planned Cancer Center has not materialized, leaving the building vacant with different plans now in place.

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What was invested during the temporary project remained city property afterwards.

Alderman Indigne assured that the financial details are being compiled and will be communicated to Hendrickx as per standard procedure for written questions. Stefaan Deleus of CD&V has also submitted a written question, seeking details on payments made to Seppe Nobels and his involvement with 't Gasthuis and Construct Europe. Hendrickx hopes to receive the city's response before the September council meeting.

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That is absolutely not true. An adjustment was made at the time to make Mr. Nobels' project succeed there.