Waregem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Waregem plans a €108 million 6-year investment in roads, sewers, street lighting (€2.5M), sports halls (€7M), Youth Centre (€3.4M), Guido Gezelle School (€11.3M); Mayor Kristof Chanterie confirms modest tax rise.
As VRT News reported, the city of Waregem, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, has set out a new investment plan worth €108 million for the next 6 years. Most of the money will be used for road and sewer works.
A major part of the plan is the renovation of Markstraat and Stormestraat, a project with a budget of €4 million. Before the project begins, Waregem will draw up a new mobility plan to guide the layout of the streets. The works will start in 2029 and are expected to finish by the end of 2031.
“Quite a few projects are planned for the next six years,”
says Mayor Kristof Chanterie (CD&V).
“We’ll provide a comprehensive overview of these early next year. But the budget is fixed at €24 million.”
What is Waregem planning with €108 million investment in roads, schools and sports?
Waregem will also spend €2.5 million on new street lighting to improve safety and reduce energy use. The city plans to replace old lamps with LED lights that last longer. The lighting upgrades will be installed in stages across several neighbourhoods.
“We also continue to invest in equestrian sports,”
the mayor continues.
“We consider Waregem the horse capital of Flanders. In 2027, the European Jumping Championships will come to our city; several investments are needed for this.
The stables and parking lot at the Gaverbeek Hippodrome are being renovated. We are allocating approximately 1.3 million euros for this.”
The city of Waregem has set aside major funds for new sports and youth buildings. A new competition sports hall will be built next to the parking tower at the Expo site, after the city decided it would not be placed near the dog school. The project has a budget of €7 million and will provide clubs and events with a modern location.
The city will also invest €1 million in a new base for Chiro Nieuwenhove. On Jeugdeiland, the old Youth Centre will make way for a new “Sportschuur,” valued at €3.4 million, which will serve youth activities and sports. Waregem is also preparing the new Guido Gezelle School, a major project worth €11.3 million that will bring updated classrooms and better facilities for pupils.
“Loans are being paid off, and we’re taking out new ones. This way, we keep our finances under control,”
the mayor said.
Despite the high cost of these plans, the mayor says most households will not face higher taxes. Families with a cadastral income (CI) under €750 will see no change at all. Households with a CI above €750 will contribute a little more.
“This amounts to a 9.34% increase. For many residents, total taxes will therefore remain neutral, or even decrease. Those who are well-off will pay a little more.”
The city will also introduce a tax on 2nd homes.
“We were one of the few cities in the region that didn’t have one yet. We estimate that we have between 250 and 300 second-home owners here. We’re also going to introduce a tax on vacant shops. We hope to address that problem this way.”
Waregem has been improving its public buildings and facilities for several years. In 2024, the city launched a multi-year plan to invest in roads, sewers, schools, and youth projects, with works planned between 2025 and 2031.
The new sports hall and upgrades to the Youth Centre continue this effort. Earlier, local schools were renovated in 2022 and 2023, and playgrounds were expanded in 2023.
Flemish cities, municipalities, and provinces must have their multi-year plans ready by the end of the year. The plan sets out how public money will be spent over the next 6 years. It shows which projects are priorities, such as road works, public services, green spaces, or mobility improvements.
The plan also outlines expected results for residents and ensures that spending stays within the budget. By linking long-term goals to yearly budgets, local authorities aim to plan carefully, use resources wisely, and provide clear guidance for the future.
