Halle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Council of State rejected Bres sports complex construction plans at Halle because of deficient mobility reports, which might require Halle to return €3 million in subsidies. The ruling was accepted by Mayor Eva Demesmaeker while she continued to support a new sports hall despite opposition due to traffic congestion concerns.
The Council of State declared invalid the previous plans that intended to change the Bres old sports hall facility into new sports facilities. The Council of State annulled the plans because of an insufficient analysis of the effects of mobility, which residents and stakeholders continuously disputed.
After this ruling, the city council must repay €3 million in subsidies that were approved for the project. Mayor Eva Demesmaeker (N-VA) expressed her understanding of the decision, stating,
“I have read the ruling and understand the arguments. My party and I had already raised mobility issues when we were still in opposition. The centre of Halle would become more difficult to access, and the winding road would disappear.”
The Council of State’s choice supports the arguments presented by traders together with Sint-Augustinus residents and residents alike about insufficient assessment of mobility issues. These groups achieved victory through the ruling since they led persistent arguments that traffic congestion and reduced accessibility would worsen in the area. The local administration continues its initiative to replace the sports hall, although it has encountered a recent rejection.
Various stakeholders reacted to the Council of State’s decision in complex ways. The local residents, together with businesses, found the decision positive for their community interests, yet city officials now face challenges from both financial and logistical standpoints. The €3 million subsidy refund presents Mayor Demesmaeker with a major financial difficulty.
“That is a big question mark, but we probably won’t be able to reuse that money,”
She stated.
She also emphasised that despite this setback, addressing the outdated state of the current sports hall remains a priority.
“The sports hall is outdated and needs to be replaced. A lot of time and money has already been lost, but there is no other option than to do our homework again,”
She added.
The city council plans to reassess its approach in light of this ruling. Discussions will focus on whether a new sports complex should be built at an alternative location or if adjustments can be made to meet regulatory requirements at the Bres site. The mayor further commented on this process:
“But whether it should be in the same place and how we can get those subsidies again, we will look at that in the coming weeks.”
This development highlights the challenges inherent in balancing urban development with community concerns.
What Is the broader context of Halle’s sports complex plans?
Halle‘s urban renewal goals face substantial limitations due to this decision. Under this plan, De Bres’ redevelopment served as the primary project to reshape an area whose plan involved new recreation facilities and enhanced landscapes with upgraded facilities. Recreational zones would benefit from the master plan’s grouped parking services that aimed to create space and establish an autoluwe (low-traffic) area for pedestrian and cyclist protection.
A €3 million subsidy functioned under the framework of a broader €2.75 million public grant from the Flemish government to fund these projects. Stakeholders have continuously raised mobility challenges as their main concern. The Sint-Augustinus residential care centre, together with other local organisations, opposed the additional traffic because daily life in Halle’s central area faced established congestion challenges.
