Bree (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Building operations for De Weeg will begin shortly at Bree located in the province of Limburg in Flanders. A sports complex, together with a swimming pool and residential tower, are scheduled for construction on the land previously occupied by the hospital.
Construction of “De Weeg,” a new sports complex, swimming pool, and residential tower, is set to begin on the former hospital site in Bree. The construction timeline for this project extends to three consecutive years, including both the current athletics track work and future stages. The project development is a joint work between the KOSM school community, the Women in Limburg (WiL) housing organisation, and the local government. The project functions to replace old facilities by constructing contemporary infrastructure throughout the community.
Under the De Weeg project, residents can access a modern sports complex, a swimming pool, and 36 social and affordable housing apartments within a residential tower. Construction of the athletics track has begun, and upcoming construction will take place in the following months. The central parking lot from the former hospital will undergo demolition in mid-April to build the new building complex. Women in Limburg and the KOSM school community plan to start construction of the sports complex in June.
Women in Limburg, together with the KOSM school community, collaborate as partners for this project. Raf Drieskens, Chairman of Wonen in Limburg, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating,
“De Weeg shows how we, as partners, are building high-quality and integrated housing. By combining housing with sports and relaxation, we are creating a dynamic and liveable environment for everyone.”
Luc Evens, coordinating director of the KOSM school community, highlighted the long-term benefits, noting,
“A construction site of almost 3 years in front of the door, that is quite something, but we know what we are doing it for: a campus where learning, sports, relaxation and living come together, and all this in a green environment. That is really an added value for everyone.”
First, Alderman Jo Leenders (N-VA) acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused by the construction but stressed the necessity of the project.
“We have an outdated sports hall and an outdated swimming pool, and it is time that our city gets the accommodation it deserves,”
Leenders said.
“It is a unique project in which we try to use public funds as wisely as possible.”
What is the background of the De Weeg project?
The development of De Weeg takes place in the former hospital site which stands in Bree town, spread across Belgium’s Limburg province. Since the hospital shutdown, the empty facility has been transformed into modern infrastructure that satisfies community needs.
The Bree population currently numbers around 16,000 as the town manages aged sports facilities like ancient sports facilities and swimming pools.
The housing development project will offer 36 units of socially and economically accessible homes focused on meeting the expanding needs of local residents. Research shows that during the last five years, Limburg experienced a 12% rise in the need for cost-effective housing.
