Union Saint-Gilloise's plans for a new stadium have suffered a setback after the conclusion of a public consultation that generated significant opposition from local residents and campaign groups.
More than 650 responses were submitted during the consultation process, with the Belgian club stating that only around 10 per cent of submissions were supportive of the project.
Union Saint-Gilloise facing major stadium challenge
The proposed stadium would be built on the Bempt site in Vorst, close to the border with Ukkel, and would almost double the club's current capacity to around 16,000 seats.
Plans also include wider cycle paths, new sports infrastructure and landscaping improvements around the development.
However, environmental campaign group We Are Nature remains firmly opposed to the project, arguing that the loss of approximately 37,000 square metres of green space has not been adequately addressed, as per Belgian outlet VRT.
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The organisation has also raised concerns over noise and light pollution, flood risks and the proximity of the nearby Allnex chemical plant in Drogenbos.
Despite the opposition, Union continue to receive strong backing from the Brussels government, with support for the stadium included in the region's coalition agreement.
A planning decision is expected by the end of October, while a consultation committee meeting is scheduled for June 30 to review the feedback received.
The club are pursuing a new home because the historic Joseph Marien Stadium does not meet UEFA requirements and cannot be expanded due to its protected status.
As a result, Union have been forced to play recent European fixtures away from their own ground, which they will have to do again next season after sealing a place in the Champions League qualifying round.
FGG says: A significant hurdle but not necessarily a fatal blow
A consultation showing around 90 per cent opposition is clearly not the outcome that USG would have wanted.
That said, the project still retains one crucial advantage – its political backing. With regional authorities continuing to support the development, the club remains very much alive in its bid to secure a modern stadium that meets UEFA requirements.
For now, this is a definite setback rather than a fatal blow, but the strength of local opposition shows there is still plenty of work to do before construction can become a reality.