Westerlo (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – KVC Westerlo’s request for an environmental permit from municipal authorities enables the Weststand renovations at the match arena’s goal section. “As per the mayor Guy Van Hirtum (CD&V), the stadium capacity rises with seat incorporation alongside standing capacity,” states the article.
An environmental permit granted by municipal authorities enables KVC Westerlo to transform their Weststand at the Kuipje stadium by implementing seating alongside standing areas without exceeding the current capacity limit of 9,000 supporters. Mayor Guy Van Hirtum officially approved the construction project while maintaining strict limits of 9,000 supporters at the facility, according to VRT news.
The upcoming construction project this year will allow the club to move and enlarge its supporter section. The stadium modernization strategy enters its first stage as part of a wider initiative to strengthen sports facilities for non-match events.
Football club KVC Westerlo receives an environmental permit from the municipal authorities to renovate the Weststand behind one of the goals in the Kuipje.
“Thanks to a combination of seats and standing places, the capacity in that stand will increase,”
Says Mayor Guy Van Hirtum (CD&V).
“But a maximum of 9,000 supporters will still be allowed in the entire stadium.”
The renovation works may already start in the coming months.
“The capacity of that stand may increase,”
Says Mayor Van Hirtum.
“That offers the football club the opportunity to realize a combination of seating and standing places on the West stand, where there are now only seats.”
“As a result, the club could choose to move the atmosphere section, which is now in another stand, to the renovated stand. But of course the club and the supporters have to discuss this among themselves.”
“We see the number of supporters in the current atmosphere section growing all the time. A possible move to the renovated West Tribune would then provide the opportunity to create a larger atmosphere section,”
Van Hirtum continues.
According to the mayor, this can improve the football experience.
“It is also a great advantage for the players to feel the twelfth man even more in the neck.”
The capacity of the West Tribune will be expanded, but according to the mayor, no more supporters will be allowed into the Kuipje.
“The licensed capacity remains 9,000 spectators. Due to the expansion of the West Tribune, some seats will disappear or shift elsewhere in the stadium.”
“The works will be carried out during the off-season, so some things will already be ready at the start of the new season in the Jupiler Pro League.”
KVC Westerlo calls the renovation of the Weststand the first phase of a broader project aimed at the further development and modernization of the stadium.
“It is indeed the intention to make better use of the Kuipje”,
Confirms Van Hirtum.
“Using a football stadium only for a home game every 2 weeks is no longer in keeping with the times. That is why there are lines of thought towards other football-related activities and events. But these have not yet been included in this permit.”
What is the background behind KVC Westerlo’s stadium renovation plans?
The Belgian football club KVC Westerlo established its home ground at Kuipje Stadium when it began operations in 1933. Since its founding in 1933, KVC Westerlo has maintained its stadium at Kuipje with its current 9,000-seat capacity while operating as one of the least spacious facilities throughout Jupiler Pro League. The West Stand serves as a primary target for modernization because its outdated facilities and restricted fan-friendly features require replacement.
The support for Westerlo’s football matches has grown notably in its dedicated fan cheering section, which shapes the game atmosphere. Discussions about space challenges are ongoing regarding expanding or relocating this section. The stadium modernization initiative of the club aligns with current league standards by implementing a mix of seating and standing sections that guarantee player and supporter safety while improving the match-day experience.
