Europa League club facing renewed and fierce local backlash over new 16,000-seater stadium plans

Union Saint-Gilloise are facing fresh opposition to plans for a new 16,000-capacity stadium in Forest, despite the project being designed to provide the club with a modern European-standard home.

Environmental concerns, transport questions and divisions within local politics are making progress increasingly difficult.

Union Saint-Gilloise continue to face new stadium opposition

Led by Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom, Union have enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, culminating in winning the Belgian title in 2024/25 and reaching the Champions League for the first time.

Their century-old Joseph Marien Stadium, however, cannot be expanded sufficiently and does not meet UEFA requirements.

The club therefore wants to build a new venue at the Bempt sports complex, almost twice the size of its current home and with around 16,000 seats.

The proposed stadium would include modern hospitality facilities, a Tunnel Club and improved media areas, while photovoltaic panels would feature on the roof.

However, the plans have faced strong opposition from residents and environmental groups. A major concern is the removal of 237 trees, with opponents arguing that planting 239 replacements cannot compensate for mature trees and the habitats they provide.

There are also concerns about the impact of construction and matchdays on wildlife, alongside questions over whether public transport can cope with thousands of additional supporters.

Around 250 people attended a Forest municipal council meeting on September 1 after campaigners called for the project to be rejected, for the public land to remain unsold and for alternatives to be properly considered.

Around 90% of 650 respondents to the June public consultation were reportedly opposed.

The project has also divided the local governing majority, while the mayor has backed the stadium conditionally on planning, mobility and environmental requirements being addressed.

FGG says: USG need a new stadium but local concerns cannot be ignored

It is a difficult situation because Union clearly need a modern stadium if they are going to establish themselves among Belgium's leading clubs and regularly compete in Europe.

At the same time, replacing a much-loved historic ground cannot simply override legitimate concerns about trees, wildlife, transport and the impact on the local area.

Finding a compromise that allows Union to grow without unnecessarily damaging the surrounding environment will be crucial if Stade Bempt is to win broader support.