More than 200 attend Forest council meeting to oppose Union stadium at Bempt site

More than 200 people went to Forest’s municipal council meeting Tuesday evening to protest plans for a new Union Saint-Gilloise stadium at the Bempt site. The Alliance Bempt civic group demanded explanations and urged the municipality to refuse the land sale.

Opponents want alternative locations considered. They say the project would damage biodiversity, increase flood risks and affect neighboring neighborhoods. The group also argues that selling the site would conflict with Forest’s climate ambitions and would not solve the municipality’s budget problems.

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It is high time to put an end to soil sealing

“It is high time to put an end to soil sealing,” the collective said. It asked council members to support a possible appeal against regional permits and to work with residents on alternatives.

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There is no doubt that this involves substantial densification of the site, requiring the greatest possible vigilance regarding the consequences for the environment, water supply and climate

The planned stadium would contain 15,881 seats. A consultation committee issued a favorable opinion at the end of June, subject to additional guarantees on mobility, noise, water management, biodiversity and safety. Forest abstained, while Uccle issued an unfavorable minority opinion.

Mayor Charles Spapens said the municipal college wants to keep Union in Forest, provided certain requirements are met. The land sale depends on the necessary permits and compliance with environmental and mobility guidelines. The project would create 17,000 square meters of paved surface, including 9,000 square meters that is already paved. The municipal college said Bempt Park is not part of the project and that the plans include funding for a passage to the Senne to reduce flood risk.

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It is responsible for evaluating the projects submitted, not for developing alternatives on its own initiative