Union Saint-Gilloise's plan to build their new stadium in the municipality of Forest has been rejected by local authorities. Brussels' regional government will now step in to find a solution that suits both parties.
In the works for several years, the Brussels side has been looking to move to a larger venue in light of their new-found success on the pitch which has seen them promoted to Belgium's top-flight and make Europe.
Their current ground, the Joseph Marien Stadium, falls short of European standards and has seen them forced to play Europa League fixtures at other stadiums throughout Belgium.
The club had consequently earmarked a site in Bempt park to build their new stadium on, the plans of which were presented to the public on 16 January.
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However, La Dernière Heure revealed on Tuesday that the muncipality of Forest had rejected the club's proposal to purchase 3.5 hectares on the site for €3.5 million.
According to the municipal council, the proposal was rejected for a number of reasons, including a lack of legal guarantees, the absence of a feasibility study, and a feeling that the amount offered did not properly compensate the municipality's potential losses.
The dossier will now be taken over by the Brussels Government, with the region's Minister-President Rudi Vervoort and Secretary of State for Public Works Pascal Smet set to lead negotiations with both the municipality and the club to find a suitable solution.
However, Smet told BX1 on Wednesday that the club had indeed conducted a study which proved that "the most feasible site was the one at the Bempt park."
