Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Gardeners in Sint-Niklaas must leave their 11 community garden plots in Peter Benoitpark by May 1st, 2025, despite prior assurances. Jef De Sutter and gardeners oppose the decision, while city official Kristof Van Gansen cites private landowner plans for new homes. The city seeks alternative locations.
Gardeners in Sint-Niklaas are facing a sudden change. They were told they had to leave their community garden plots by May 1st, 2025. Many gardeners had already started preparing their plots for the new growing season. They had cleared the soil, sown seeds, and even planted crops.
Officials mentioned that they have to dismantle their gardens and find a new place to garden. They are feeling confused and frustrated, wondering why the city made this decision so abruptly after giving them the green light to continue.
That was a complete surprise to us,’
says Jef De Sutter, responsible.
We had ameeting 2 weeks ago and we were permitted to continue this year. And now we are told that we have to leave.
What will happen to the community gardeners of Sint-Niklaas?
Jef De Sutter, who takes care of the community gardens, is upset about the sudden announcement. He says it’s unfair to the gardeners who have been working hard in their plots. The city says they want to build new homes on the land, but De Sutter says the space is small, with only 11 garden plots. He and the other gardeners think the city should find another place to build.
They mentioned that the gardens are important because they provide fresh food and a place for neighbours to connect. They said that This is a common problem in cities, finding a balance between building homes and keeping green spaces.
According to the city council of Sint-Niklaas community gardens in Peter Benoitpark have to close. The city official, Kristof Van Gansen, explained that the land belongs to someone else, and that person wants to use the land for something different.
Van Gansen mentioned that plans for a new building were sent to the city at the end of last year. No one said they didn’t like the plans, so the project is moving forward. The gardeners are sad about this decision.
The city of Sint-Niklaas knows that there’s a big need for more homes, but they also understand how important community gardens are. Because of this, the city is trying to find new places for the gardeners who have to move. 2 gardeners will get new places to garden on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The city is looking at 3 other places in Sint-Niklaas for the rest of the gardeners. The city wants to help people garden, but many gardeners are still unsure about what will happen to them. They worked hard in their gardens at Peter Benoitpark, and they’re worried about losing those spaces.
If it’s on the other side of town, certainly not,
says Jef De Sutter.
Our allotments are now barely 5 minutes from our house. I’m not going to drive to the other side of town to do some gardening.
