Union Saint-Gilloise faces a critical juncture in its quest to leave the historic Dudenpark, as the club seeks a 16,000-seat stadium on the Bemptsite in Vorst. While the club has submitted a 600-page planning dossier, the project faces significant local opposition, with 673 formal objections filed during the mandatory public inquiry, according to reports from Bruzz.
The Path to a New Stadium: Planning and Opposition
Union SG’s ambition to move is driven by the limitations of the Dudenpark, which the club acknowledges is outdated despite its historical significance. In recent years, the club has been forced to play European matches at the Koning Boudewijnstadion, Anderlecht’s Lotto Park, and now KV Oostende. To resolve this, the club has proposed a 100-million-euro project, fully self-financed, intended for completion by 2029.
The municipal response to the proposal has been split. The municipality of Vorst provided a positive advisory opinion, albeit with a list of specific conditions. In contrast, the neighboring municipality of Ukkel issued an unfavorable opinion, suggesting the former Audi-site as a more suitable alternative location for the stadium.
The 673 objections filed by residents represent a significant hurdle for the project. However, CEO Philippe Bormans stated to Bruzz that the club has addressed these concerns and maintains that the site—already designated for sports and recreation—will see an improvement in local biodiversity through planned landscaping.
Regulatory Hurdles and the Decision Process
Despite the high volume of public feedback, the recent debate held by the consultation committee in Vorst does not hold binding legal power. The final decision rests with the Secretary of State, Audrey Henry. The project’s viability is bolstered by its inclusion in the Brussels regional government agreement, which supports the development of the new stadium.
According to CEO Philippe Bormans, the club’s dossier is the result of years of preparation intended to align stakeholders. While the club hopes for a swift approval to begin construction by the autumn, the authorities have up to six months following the public inquiry to issue a formal decision on the planning permit.
Comparison: Stadium Infrastructure Challenges
Union SG’s situation reflects a broader trend in Belgian football, where historic clubs struggle to modernize aging facilities while balancing urban density and resident concerns. While Club Brugge has finally moved toward realizing its own stadium ambitions, other teams remain in a state of limbo, forced to seek temporary venues for high-profile matches due to the lack of local, compliant infrastructure.
For clubs looking to modernize, self-financing—as Union SG is doing with its 100-million-euro budget—can provide more control over the project timeline, though it does not exempt the club from the rigorous public consultation processes required in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Union SG need a new stadium? The current Dudenpark is considered outdated and does not meet the requirements for modern standards, forcing the club to play European home matches in other cities.
- What is the proposed capacity of the new stadium? The club is aiming for a modern facility with approximately 16,000 seats.
- Is the public opposition binding? No. The recent public debate and the advisory opinions provided by neighboring municipalities are not legally binding; the final decision lies with the Secretary of State.
- When does the club hope to start construction? If the planning permit is granted in line with the club’s goals, construction could theoretically begin as early as the autumn.
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