Brussels football club Union Saint-Gilloise has received approval from environmental authorities to cut down 237 trees to make way for its future stadium in Forest.
The exemption, granted by Brussels Environment, allows the club to bypass a nature conservation order that protects several species, including 19 birds and three bat species identified on the Bempt sporting complex site.
While this decision marks a major milestone for the stadium project, it does not equate to full approval. Planning and environmental permit applications are still under review, with officials noting the dossier remains incomplete.
Authorities highlighted that tree removal and associated construction could cause noise and visual disturbances, destroy nesting sites, and affect resting areas for protected species, potentially reducing local biodiversity.
Despite these concerns, Brussels Environment cited “imperative reasons of major public interest,” emphasizing the social and economic benefits of the project as justification for the exemption.
Union Saint-Gilloise will face strict conditions to limit ecological impact. The club must plant 239 replacement trees, transplant an additional 30, and ensure planting occurs in suitable environmental conditions.
Tree felling is limited to a window from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2026, respecting bird and bat nesting and breeding periods. Furthermore, lighting restrictions between 23:00 and 05:00 aim to minimize disruption to nocturnal wildlife.
Some wood from the felled trees will be repurposed onsite for wildlife refuges. The club is also required to install bird and bat nesting boxes, hedgehog shelters, and additional green spaces to support biodiversity.
These measures have been welcomed by Brussels Environment as a sign that the club recognizes the importance of protecting the site’s natural inhabitants. Officials said Union’s proactive measures demonstrate awareness of the protected species present.
The exemption is valid from 1 January 2026 to 30 September 2030, with ongoing monitoring mandated by authorities. The club must submit detailed reports on the implementation of ecological mitigation measures.
Importantly, the exemption will only take effect after the planning and environmental permits are approved and the land is formally transferred to the club. Current discussions between Union Saint-Gilloise and the municipality of Forest remain stalled as both await these permits.
If completed, the stadium will offer a modern home for Union Saint-Gilloise, balancing urban development with ecological responsibility. However, its future remains contingent on final approvals and strict adherence to environmental safeguards.
The decision underscores the delicate balance between urban sports development and environmental conservation in Brussels, highlighting the need for careful planning and monitoring in such projects.
