© rr
Union Saint-Gilloise is tired of the delay surrounding the new stadium plans. The people of Brussels have been campaigning for a new stadium on the Bempt site in Vorst for some time now. However, negotiations with the municipal council of Vorst have been at a standstill for some time. And the football club urgently wants to change that, according to a statement. “We regret the conflicting interests at the negotiating table.”
“On the eve of the local elections in Forest, the club would like to point out the importance of a new stadium for the survival of Union Saint-Gilloise at the professional level,” the site reads. According to the Brussels club, the new stadium has been the subject of debate several times among the various Royal parties. “In that context, the club regrets the recent statements by the management of Ecolo Vorst, which do not correspond to the content of the conversations and negotiations of recent months and years.”
The Ecolo Vorst party is in favor of a thorough upgrade of the current Marien Stadium, but that is impossible according to Union. “Several studies by the Brussels Region have proven that this option is not feasible. In addition, the Marien Stadium has a classified facade and the Duden Park may not be touched.”
In the meantime, the club has already submitted various mobility and impact studies for a new stadium on the Bempt site in Vorst. “The three parties – municipality, Region and club – then expressly agreed to continue working on a financial agreement.”
(read more below photo)
If Union has to stay in the Joseph Mariën Stadium, its future in professional football appears uncertain. — © Belgaimage
Call to fans
In addition, Union once again emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, the environment and the social local fabric. “Since 2018, the club has employed a full-time Sustainability Manager, which is extremely rare in European football. Union is also particularly proud of its B-Corp label. This means that we achieve strict social and environmental standards in our various industries and therefore do not only pursue profit for our shareholders.”
The statement concludes with a clear appeal to the residents and Union fans in Vorst. “Union therefore regrets the contradictory positions of Ecolo Vorst at the negotiating table compared to statements made during election times. Union calls on its many fans from Forest to make a well-considered choice on Sunday for the new stadium and the future of the club.”
The Bempt site in Vorst. — © Union SG
