Scherpenheuvel-Zichem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Scherpenheuvel-Zichem will introduce paid parking with resident cards. Mayor Kris Petermans highlights tourism. Baloise Tour 2026 starts June 17. Plans include Den Egger renovation, city park, warehouse, and 3 churches.
As VRT News reported, Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, is introducing paid parking in the city. Until now, parking has mostly been free. The only rule was a blue zone where drivers needed a parking disc to limit their stay. That system is now being updated.
“Scherpenheuvel-Zichem attracts quite a few tourists and believers. Our city has a rich cultural and religious heritage. So it seems reasonable to us to charge a small fee to visitors who use our roads and parking lots,”
says Mayor Kris Petermans (Blue Zone).
What are Scherpenheuvel-Zichem’s plans for paid parking and Baloise tour 2026?
Residents will still be able to park for free. The city plans to issue resident parking cards to protect local drivers from fees. Exact locations and hours for paid parking are not yet decided. The policy is still being developed.
Officials mentioned that Scherpenheuvel-Zichem is stepping up efforts to boost tourism in the city. They plan to use professional marketing to attract more visitors and promote local attractions. One major event is the Baloise Tour, also known as the Tour of Belgium, which will pass through Scherpenheuvel-Zichem for the next 3 years.
“In 2026, we will be the starting point for the stage race on June 17th.”
The city also has several long-term plans for public facilities and urban development. A new city warehouse and an administrative centre are planned to improve city services. The Den Egger cultural centre will be renovated to increase its capacity and appeal.
The mayor hopes to build a city park on the edge of the centre, including a skate park for young residents. In addition, 3 churches—in Zichem, Schoonderbuken, and Keiberg—will be repurposed.
Scherpenheuvel‑Zichem, a city in Flemish Brabant, is known for its historic Basilica of Our Lady, a baroque pilgrimage church consecrated in 1627. The city council has launched a long-term plan from 2026 to 2031 to improve infrastructure, tourism, and public services. The Baloise Belgium Tour, an international cycling race, has passed through the city several times, including in 2022, 2023, and 2024, supporting local charities and youth programs.
