Although the plans are not yet concrete at all, Union organized an information session on Monday to inform local residents and interested parties about the stadium project on the Bempt site in Vorst. Opponents are left with many questions, Union fans seem to largely follow the club board in the realization that a new competition temple is crucial for the future of the vice champion.
CEO Philippe Bormans did not mince words in the clubhouse of the Joseph Marien Stadium: a new home base is a must for the Brussels club if it wants to link the excellent sporting results of today and in recent years to extra-sporting, read: financial successes.
Because the limitations of the current stadium make that last facet more difficult, it sounds. “This club is well managed financially, but it still records losses year after year: a total of 30 million over the past five years,” said Bormans, during the meeting that Union held on Monday for supporters and local residents. “A new stadium can mean a U-turn in terms of ticketing and the commercial picture.”
Local Embedding
Bormans emphasized that expanding the Joseph Marien Stadium is an impossible task, due to its listed facade and the immediate surroundings that allow little freedom of movement, namely the Dudenpark. Moreover, the pressure of the stadium in its current form on the densely populated area is considerable.
It is precisely for these reasons that Union has been looking for a location on Brussels territory where the club can build a stadium for around 15,000 fans. It collided with the Bempt site in Vorst, which checks off a lot of points on the checklist.
Perhaps the most important element – not illogical – is the location. With the stadium project on the British Tweedelegerlaan, Les Unionistes would continue to play football in Vorst. “This local embedding is crucial for the identity of the club”, says Bormans.
When asked by an attendee whether the club can simply play its home games in the Lotto Park, of city competitor Anderlecht, Bormans answered laconically. “I don’t know if you are a fan, but our DNA is not that of Anderlecht: many RSCA fans come from outside Brussels and that club focuses more on the importance of VIPs. Moreover, with its own stadium, Union can survive on its own resources in the future.”
No Additional Parking Spaces Planned
The dream Bempt site is about half an hour’s walk or a ten-minute drive from the current stadium, although according to a recent supporter survey, only 15 percent of Union fans come to a home game by car. About seven out of ten supporters cycle, come on foot or use public transport “Union wants to increase that figure.”
In any case, Union insists on the proximity of various tram, bus and train stops in the vicinity of the possible new stadium, linked to the plans to also provide three bicycle parking spaces.
In addition, the club is convinced that due to the number of available parking spaces in the vicinity of the stadium – reportedly 5000 – it will not have to create additional parking space itself. In terms of access, the British Tweedelegerlaan serves as the main entrance, but it is also being considered whether an additional access route via Lusambostraat is possible.
In addition, the Bempt site is already in a RUP zone (spatial implementation plan) intended for sports and recreation; especially legally useful.
‘No choice’
The unveiling of the plans did not convince everyone, it became apparent after the chairman’s speech.
“For example, not a word has been mentioned about environmental issues,” said a representative of a neighborhood committee that opposes the move plans.
However, Bormans had tried to temper the critical voices by emphasizing that the green zone of the Bempt site remains untouched, that the initial idea of a hotel has been abandoned, and that the intention is to keep noise nuisance to a minimum by placing a kind of roof, following the example of the stadiums of Genk and Anderlecht. “In this way we also want to keep the ambiance in the stadium, because now it goes everywhere.”
Fans Satisfied
Union fans responded with mostly positive reactions: the financial necessity and the shortcomings of the current stadium seem to take precedence over the charm and tradition that typify the Joseph Marien Stadium.
“Although I am a bit afraid of the atmosphere, so close to a highway,” says Ilaria, who lives near the current home port.
Another fan. “Yes, I prefer the Joseph Marien Stadium, but I also think that the new site will cause less headaches for the local residents. But it is like the CEO said: Union has to grow if the club wants to be able to keep up with the other teams.”
Do not Frost at The Appointment
The biggest absentee during the performance: the municipality of Vorst itself. She sent her cat.
“Not invited”, it sounds in the town hall, although Union spokesman Maarten Verdoodt claims the opposite. In any case, it is a bizarre signal, especially after a long discussion about the offer of 3.5 million euros that Union made last week.
“Union and the municipality are in constant consultation, even almost daily, and I admit: it is not an easy file,” Verdoodt acknowledges. “But both parties want to remain in consultation, and that is the most important thing.”
Vorst is expected to respond to Union’s offer in the course of February. The club always hoped to be able to move in 2024, but that timing seems highly optimistic.
This article is originally published on bruzz.be
