Halle builds an events hall and installs 9 speed cameras

Halle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Halle, led by Mayor Eva Demesmaeker (N-VA), will invest €1.8M in smart cameras, 9 speed cameras, a new events hall, sports facility, cultural centre, and €35M in infrastructure, keeping taxes stable.

As VRT News reported, Halle is set to build a new events hall to expand cultural and community activities in the city. Mayor Eva Demesmaeker (N-VA) said safety is a top priority for the city council. To improve security, Halle is investing €1.8 million in a smart camera system. 

9 fixed speed cameras will be installed to replace the mobile “Dike Bertha.” The old camera moved from street to street each week under the previous administration. The new cameras are expected to monitor traffic more consistently and reduce speeding in the city.

What major changes are coming to Halle under Mayor Eva Demesmaeker?

Vacancy in shopping streets remains a major challenge. The city council is working to attract new shops.

“That’s why the Local Economy department is getting additional staff and resources. We’re also going to try to reduce taxes for our local businesses in the coming years.”

“Halle needs to better capitalise on its tourist attractions,”

says Alderman Mark Demesmaeker (N-VA). 

• “For example, we’re going to ensure that the tower of our basilica is open to visitors more often. We also want to attract more visitors to the city with additional events. This year, the Christmas market is returning, and we’re also organising another Open Streets Day for children.”

Halle is investing in sports and culture. Alderman Louis Van Dionant (CD&V) said the local clubs are “the beating heart of Halle.” He announced that a new events hall will be built for Halle clubs to organise all kinds of activities.

 The city will also construct a new sports facility for indoor and outdoor sports. Preparations are already underway for a new cultural centre, which is expected to be completed during the next administrative term, from 2032 to 2036.

The city is also doubling its investment in public infrastructure. Funding for the renovation of streets, sidewalks, and cycle paths will increase from €18 million to €35 million in the coming years. 

Another change affects the controversial “pal,” an expensive artwork on the Liberation Square roundabout that residents never fully accepted. After 20 years, the sculpture will be removed. Despite these large projects, Mayor Eva Demesmaeker assures residents that local taxes will not be raised.

“Although local governments are increasingly taking on more responsibilities, Halle is not raising taxes, and the city remains cautious with additional borrowing. This way, we maintain a strong self-financing margin and healthy, balanced city finances,”  

Mayor Eva Demesmaeker said.

The plans in Halle follow the coalition agreement for 2025–2030, signed by N‑VA and CD&V on 27 December 2024. The municipal elections on 13 October 2024 gave N‑VA the largest share of the vote, and Eva Demesmaeker became Halle’s first female mayor at 28. 

The city’s strategic program, published in August 2024, already included major investments in safety, culture, sports, and infrastructure. The plan also pledged that local taxes would not be raised while improving public facilities and supporting community life.