Mechelen is counting on a breakthrough for Racing, KFC Walem and Uilmolenweg: 14 million is ready

That does not mean that the city is giving up investments in green and white. “As soon as De Nekker became a real option for the Kangaroos, we started discussions with Racing,” says Labsir. In its multi-year planning 2026-2031, the city has registered 4.5 million euros to invest in the football club in Mechelen-Noord: four million for sports infrastructure, plus another half million for a second artificial grass field.

“During the previous administrative period, we had already bought the sites from IBO for 1.5 million euros and gave them a long lease. At that time we also invested in a first artificial grass field,” says Alderman Labsir. Involvement with the neighborhood is essential for the city council. “The intention is that Racing can maintain and possibly even expand its social character.”

All slopes open

All options are open to the city: renovate the current stadium or build a new one. “We are going to investigate what the most realistic scenario is. Today the accommodation is completely run-down and no longer representative of a club at that level,” Abdrahman Labsir explains.

In contrast to the previous project, which also involved Kangaroos, the focus is on football. “We will look at integrating one or two sports areas, so that we are eligible for supra-local subsidies from Sport Vlaanderen. I think we have a realistic chance of receiving extra resources for this,” says the alderman.

The city has been in discussions with the Nature and Forest Agency (ANB), which is the owner, for some time about the land of KFC Walem in Battenbroek. “These are going well. There is a good chance that we will reach an agreement early next year,” Labsir indicates. The city wants to exchange the sites for other forest lands. In its multi-year planning, Mechelen has registered three million euros for the club. That money should be used for a new building. “Although I think we should also go for at least one artificial grass field.”

Problem file

Another problem file is for a multifunctional sports site on the Uilmolenweg, near the Vrijbroekpark in Mechelen-Zuid. “We absolutely want to realize this during this board period. We are allocating 6.7 million euros to give the rugby and hockey clubs a high-quality home base, but also to provide space for beach volleyball, urban sports and recreational sports,” says Abdrahman Labsir.

Legally this is a tricky matter. “We have started an expropriation procedure again, in case we do not reach an agreement with the owners. We now have four months to enter into dialogue with them and reach an agreement. We want to play open cards. If that does not work, we want to acquire the land legally. We hope that it does not come to that,” the alderman explains.

Two years ago, the court of first instance declared the first expropriation procedure illegal. This was based on a sub-plan of a spatial implementation plan (RUP) that had previously been annulled by the Council of State. Alderman Labsir is convinced that the city now has a strong case. “Unfortunately, new developments today are sensitive to objections. Earlier this year we renovated the Berkenhof playground and even there were objections. That is very frustrating, but we must continue to show our goodwill and intentions,” he says.

A total budget of 14 million euros has been planned for investments in Racing Mechelen, KFC Walem and the sports complex on the Uilmolenweg. The city wants to invest a total of 29 million in sports infrastructure in the coming years.

No worries

There are also files without headaches. For example, the city is investing 1.2 million in the renovation or construction of sports fields. Football clubs KFC Muizen and Sporting Mechelen can look forward to a new top layer for their artificial grass fields. “The current one will reach the end of its life during this administrative period. We are taking advantage of this to replace the current rubber infill with a sustainable variant, such as cork,” says Abdrahman Labsir.

Furthermore, KMTHC can also expand its infrastructure for hockey. Another three million is available for maintenance works on sports infrastructure.