Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG) plans to submit an application for a construction permit for a new stadium in the coming weeks, Brussels Secretary of State Ans Persoons announced recently.

Sale of the land still under negotiation

During a session of the Territorial Development Committee of the Brussels Parliament, where she was questioned by Anderlecht deputy Gaëtan Van Goidsenshoven (MR), Persoons clarified that the procedure will take approximately 160 days. At the same time, we are preparing decisions that the future regional government will have to take, which will formalize the region’s commitments related to the project, she added.

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The club, which has gained prominence in Belgian football in recent years, wants to acquire land in the Bempt area, owned by the municipality and currently used for logistics and sports activities. However, the negotiations have not been smooth, prompting the Brussels Region to intervene as a mediator in order to reach a framework agreement acceptable to all parties.

I confirm that the Region still plays its role as mediator between the municipality, the club, and regional partners to provide solid guarantees. These guarantees have been incorporated into scenarios developed in spring 2024 and validated by the government on May 2, 2024, as a basis for work. This draft framework agreement meets point by point the municipality’s demands and contains suspensive clauses in case of non-compliance with commitments… explained Ans Persoons. According to her, the main issues still to be clarified concern the sale price of the land and a concrete solution for relocating the municipal technical services.

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The era of the aging stadium is coming to an end

Currently, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise plays its matches at Stade Joseph Marien. The stadium’s construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1919. It was inaugurated with a friendly match between Union Saint-Gilloise and AC Milan. Initially, the stadium was named La Butte, referring to its location at the foot of Duden Park. In 1926, the stadium underwent a major renovation, during which the main stand received an Art Deco facade designed by Albert Callewaert. The facade was decorated with seven sculptural panels by Oscar De Clerck, depicting motifs related to football and athletics. This facade is listed as a protected heritage site.

The stadium underwent another renovation from 2016 to 2018 to adapt it to modern football standards. As part of the works, a modern hybrid pitch and an under-soil heating system were installed. Due to the limited capacity of 9,400 spectators, RUSG has played some European cup matches at other stadiums, such as those in Leuven or Anderlecht.

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