The Verdonck stadium in the Scheut district of Anderlecht, abandoned for over a decade, will soon be accessible to residents. This decision comes after an agreement between the municipality of Anderlecht and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB), the site’s owner. However, a legal framework for using the stadium must be established before it is opened to the public.
“Local residents have been expressing concern about this site since 2019 due to issues with waste dumping and squatters in the old caretaker’s building,” explains the Alderman for Ecological Transition and Public Space in Anderlecht. “Eventually the pitch was cleared and the caretaker’s lodge demolished, but the question of how and when the stadium could be used remained, to prevent further deterioration.”
A local residents’ association, along with the non-profit organization We Are Nature, approached the local administration to advocate for the stadium’s reopening to the community.
Anderlecht: A huge sports complex completely abandoned
“This neighborhood lacks public and green spaces for children to play,” explains Selma Benkhelifa, a resident. “This stadium would be an ideal location. The Public Company for the Administration of School Buildings (SPABS) has been planning to transform it into an Adeps site for years, but this won’t happen for several years. In the meantime, residents should be able to make the most of it.”
The municipality of Anderlecht and SPABS have agreed to open the stadium to the public. However, the management, maintenance, and practical use of the site still need to be determined.
Anderlecht’s Abandoned Verdonck Stadium to Reopen for Residents
The Verdonck stadium in the Scheut district of Anderlecht, left abandoned for over a decade, is poised for a revival. A collaboration between the Anderlecht municipality and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB), the site’s owner, will soon grant residents access to the expansive sports complex. Before the gates swing open, however, a legal framework for the stadium’s utilization must be defined and put into action.
The decision to reopen the stadium arose from persistent concerns raised by local residents since 2019. “People were dumping waste and squatting in the old caretaker’s building,” explains the alderman for ecological transition and public space in Anderlecht. “Eventually, the pitch was cleared, and the caretaker’s lodge was demolished, but the question of the stadium’s future use remained. We needed to prevent further deterioration.”
The local residents’ association, alongside the non-profit We Are Nature, actively advocated with the local administration, urging them to make the stadium accessible to the community, especially children. “This neighborhood is lacking in public and green spaces for children to play,” emphasizes Selma Benkhelifa, a Scheut resident. “This stadium is perfect for the community. While the Public Company for the Administration of School Buildings (SPABS) has plans to convert it into an Adeps site, that process will take years. In the meantime, residents deserve to enjoy this space.”
A Collective Effort: Municipality and SPABS Team Up
The municipality of Anderlecht and SPABS have reached an agreement to open the stadium to the public. However, critical details remain to be resolved. The administration needs to determine how the site will be managed and maintained, and how residents can utilize the space effectively and responsibly.
The Need for Green and Recreational Spaces
The Verdonck stadium’s reopening holds significant promise for Scheut residents. The district, characterized by limited public and green spaces, will gain a valuable recreational resource. This initiative highlights the importance of prioritizing community needs and ensuring equitable access to essential amenities.
Challenges and Opportunities
The successful reopening of the Verdonck stadium faces several challenges. The site requires significant investment in restoration and maintenance, demanding collaborative efforts from the municipality, residents, and possibly private partners. Creating a sustainable management plan that ensures the long-term viability of the stadium will also be crucial.
Despite these obstacles, the project presents a unique opportunity. The Verdonck stadium has the potential to revitalize the Scheut district, promoting community cohesion, healthy lifestyles, and a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
Key Questions to Consider
As the Verdonck stadium’s reopening takes shape, it’s essential to consider these critical questions:
- What activities will be permitted at the stadium?
- How will access and usage be regulated to ensure safety and responsible use?
- What role will residents play in managing and maintaining the stadium?
- How will the long-term financial sustainability of the stadium be secured?
The answers to these questions will shape the stadium’s future and its impact on the Scheut district.
A Beacon of Hope
The Verdonck stadium’s impending revival offers a beacon of hope for the Scheut community. It promises to transform a once-forgotten space into a vibrant hub of activity, bringing residents together and creating a place where everyone can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. As the project progresses, it will be crucial for residents, the municipality, and other stakeholders to work in unison to ensure the stadium’s success.