Geraardsbergen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The De Kriebel Sports Hall in Geraardsbergen will be demolished in spring 2026. Mayor Fernand Van Trimpont (CD&V) says 86 new parking spaces will be added to 154 existing spots, improving access while supporting city centre renovations.
As VRT News reported, the De Kriebel Sports Hall in Geraardsbergen, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, will be demolished in the spring of 2026. The building has been empty for several years and is no longer in use.
The municipal council recently approved the plans for its removal. Once the demolition is complete, a new parking area will be built on the site. This new facility will provide 86 additional parking spaces.
What will Geraardsbergen’s new parking project mean for the city centre?
The new parking area will be added to the 154 spaces already available at the nearby residential care centre. City officials say the expansion will improve access and reduce parking pressure in the area.
“A water buffer will be created via wads, and native trees will be planted on the site. This will create a fully-fledged peripheral parking area within walking distance of the shopping streets and the city centre. This is necessary for the large-scale renovation of the city centre,” says Mayor Fernand Van Trimpont (CD&V).
The city plans to make its shopping streets more attractive for everyone. Cars will still be allowed, but only for those who need to access the streets. Through traffic will not be permitted. Officials say the construction work will cause some temporary disruption. Similar plans are being considered for the Ouays and Stationsplein, where extra parking spaces will be added.
Parking in the new areas will be free. Some spaces can be reserved for the short term. The project has been criticised for its high cost. Independent council member Karel De Moyer questioned spending €772,000 to create the parking spaces.
“For me, a euro is a euro. This seems like a very high amount,”
he said.
Mayor Van Trimpont qualifies.
“That amount includes the building’s demolition. This is a very common price. Unfortunately, government contracts are very expensive. The market fluctuates enormously. And we feel that in many cases. We’re faced with that, just like all cities. Nevertheless, I think the project can add value.”
The De Kriebel Sports Hall, in Geraardsbergen, was built in 1978 and served the community for decades as a venue for sports and local events. Its use steadily declined over the years, and by 2018, the hall had become largely inactive. After years of discussion about the site’s future, the municipal council approved plans for its demolition in 2025.
