Bierbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The old D’Store site in Bierbeek will become a mixed-use area with 50 homes and a supermarket. Locals support redevelopment but oppose delivery noise; Alderman Cil Cuypers supports the plan.
As VRT News reported, the old location of sports and clothing store D’Store in Bierbeek, a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, will be changed into a new mixed-use area. They mentioned that the new project will build 50 homes and a supermarket. There will also be space for local shop owners and office workers.
Alderman Cil Cuypers from Vooruit said the plan will help make the area lively and green. The town hopes this will be a good place to live and work. They also want it to support small businesses and help people feel connected.
Is the Melkerij project in Bierbeek facing delays and opposition?
According to the officials, not everyone is happy about the new plans. Some people worry about more cars, noise, and losing the area’s old feel. They also think the town didn’t ask for enough opinions before making the plans.
Critics say a supermarket and lots of homes will cause problems for the roads and change the quiet of Bierbeek. They also worry about the environment, like green spaces and handling rainwater. Even though the town leaders approved the plans, the complaints might slow things down.
The plan to turn the old sports shop into a supermarket and 50 homes is stuck, 2 years after the shop closed. The city hoped to improve the area with new shops and houses, but the local community is still not happy. The alderman says they are concerned about noise, traffic, and the peace of the neighbourhood.
He mentioned that the supermarket is planned to be open 7 days a week, which could attract many shoppers from far away. This could lead to more cars, parking problems, and change the quiet, residential feel of the area.
“First and foremost, we want to emphasise that we as a neighbourhood are happy with the redevelopment,” the committee said. “There is no bad blood between the project developers and the neighbourhood committee. But unfortunately, we have taken legal action.”
The biggest problem with the plan is where the supermarket will load and unload goods. It’s right next to the houses. The neighbourhood group says this will be noisy, especially since deliveries are planned for early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
They worry delivery trucks will bother people’s sleep, especially at night and on Sundays. The group doesn’t hate the whole idea, but they say this part of the plan is a problem. The city hasn’t said if they will change the plan, so neighbours are worried about what will happen to their street.
D’Store closed on May 1, 2023, and moved to Boutersem. That was moved because Bierbeek’s town council approved a new spatial plan in 2022 for the Melkerij site. This area was used for industry in the past, but it is now allowed to be used for homes, shops, offices, and space for culture and fun.
