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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Pop-Up Theater Studio 100 Gets Permit With Conditions Against Noise

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Approved/passed
  • Studio 100 has received a permit for a temporary pop-up theater in Hofstade, Belgium.
  • The permit comes with conditions to address concerns from local residents about noise and traffic.
  • The theater will operate for two years starting in 2027, with measures to mitigate sound and manage traffic flow.

Zemst has granted Studio 100 a permit for a temporary pop-up theater at the Sport Vlaanderen domain in Hofstade, but with a series of conditions. These conditions aim to address objections from local residents concerned about potential noise pollution and traffic issues.

There were objections from people living in the area who were afraid of noise pollution and mobility problems, both in terms of parking and traffic jams.

— Bart CoopmanMayor Bart Coopman explained the reasons behind the permit's conditions.

The pop-up theater is slated to operate for two years, beginning in 2027, on the old football field adjacent to the main entrance on Tervuursesteenweg. The municipality is issuing the environmental permit for this temporary venue. Mayor Bart Coopman stated that residents had raised concerns regarding noise and mobility, encompassing both parking and traffic congestion.

Studio 100 must adhere to the strictest sound standards mandated by Flemish legislation.

— Bart CoopmanMayor Bart Coopman detailed the noise control requirements for the theater.

To mitigate noise, Studio 100 must adhere to the strictest sound standards mandated by Flemish legislation, including external measurements to ensure minimal decibel levels. Additional sound insulation will be installed within the theater itself. Regarding traffic, the Agency for Roads and Traffic will adjust traffic lights at the intersection of the N227 and N267 to give longer green light periods to vehicles exiting towards the domain during peak times, preventing queues.

This will prevent traffic jams.

— Bart CoopmanMayor Bart Coopman explained how traffic light adjustments would alleviate congestion.

Furthermore, no matinee performances will be permitted during weekends in June, July, and August due to existing high parking demand from other activities at the domain, which can attract 5,000 to 7,000 visitors daily. Three months after opening, the municipality will hold a meeting with stakeholders, including De Lijn (the Flemish public transport company), to evaluate the situation and implement any necessary additional measures. Coopman expressed enthusiasm for the theater's arrival, noting that adjustments can be made if the situation does not meet expectations.

If it doesn't go as expected, we can still make adjustments. Furthermore, we are very enthusiastic about the arrival of the theater.

— Bart CoopmanMayor Bart Coopman expressed optimism about the project while acknowledging potential adjustments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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