Three working groups to study new national stadium at Heysel

Flanders still has no intention of taking part in the financing of a new national football stadium planned for Parking C of the Heysel complex, sports minister Philippe Muyters repeated this week in the Flemish parliament, despite a report which suggested that the project was not feasible without government money.

The proposed new stadium is a national project, but if it comes to fruition will be on Flemish territory; Parking C is adjacent to Heysel, in the territory of Grimbergen, not in Brussels. The Flemish government intends to exercise some control over the plans, for example by insisting – as minister-president Kris Peeters earlier did – on the inclusion of an athletics track as well as a football field. Language and employment issues are also likely to arise.

Muyters, who as well as being minister of sport also includes budget in his portfolio, said he had set up three working groups to examine individual questions: the financing of the stadium; the future of the Memorial Van Damme athletics competition, currently housed at the King Baudouin stadium (pictured), slated for demolition; and the questions of mobility, security and permits.

“I'm in favour of every investment that brings jobs,” Muyters said, asked by MPs if the government supports the stadium project. “That will always be the case. In addition, this will also provide a fine new football stadium to allow us to host international competitions. So I'm certainly in favour, but according to the rules that are laid down.”

Image credit: ssolbergj/Wikimedia Commons