Another setback in Bruges’ stadium file after destruction of the environmental permit: “Time is running out”

Club Brugge has been trying to build a new and bigger football stadium since 2006. The Jan Breydel Stadium is now getting on in years and might even be discarded for European football in a few years. After failed attempts at different locations, Blau-Schwarz 2021 decided on a new stadium at the current location. The Flemish government backed this project with a building permit, but some local residents felt the project was too big and started a procedure with the Permission Disputes Council at the end of 2021.

The Council of Licensing Disputes will make a decision today. And again, that’s not positive for the club because the council annuls the environmental permit for the stadium. Twistpunt is in conflict with a local ordinance from the city of Bruges, which states that parking spaces must be realized on private property. “According to the Council, the Flemish government is wrong in assuming that the project can also fulfill this obligation on the basis of a number of remote parking lots,” says the Permission Disputes Council. “These secluded car parks only confirm that the car parks are not fully established on our own property.”

“We are analyzing the decision of the Permission Disputes Council and will bring everyone around the table as soon as possible,” replies Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA). Solution for Club Brugge If one of the Council’s reasons for cancellation conflicts with a local decree of the Bruges City Council, the City of Bruges is also fully involved and at first glance seems to play a crucial role. ”

The city of Bruges is disappointed. “We are currently reading the judgment very carefully and will be sitting down with the parties involved to see what we will do next,” said Franky Demon, Alderman of Spatial Planning (CD&V). “But after all these years it’s getting harder and harder to stay positive. I believe in a good result because it is necessary to further promote Brugge football in the future. Time is really running out now because the Jan Breydel Stadium is finished and could be scrapped in Europe in a few years too. A new stadium is therefore necessary to ensure the further growth of the club in sporting and economic terms.”

The new setback on the record is a blow to club, who were optimistic after previous green lights and positive advice from the Council of State and the Flemish government. Blauw-Zwart hoped to lay the first stone this year, pending another decision by the Board of Permit Disputes.