A major new study has shed light on the future of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG).
The club has soared since winning promotion three years ago and is now playing on the international stage.
The study poses the question: is the historic Marien stadium, with its art deco stand, located in Forest on the edge of Duden Park in a residential area, doomed to be abandoned?
The study was published in the journal Brussels Studies and compiled by Olivier Paye, Loïc Cobut, Thomas Ermans, Lou Kervarrec, Youri Lou Vertongen and Thomas Laloux
They take a closer look at the stadium deadlock in order to understand the issues involved in terms of sports, economy, identity and urban development.
The study states, “According to its managers, leaving Forest is not a good option: Union has been playing there for over a century and 25 % of its season ticket holders live there, with almost 40 % living in neighbouring municipalities (Saint-Gilles: 14,5 %; Ixelles: 12,50 %; Uccle: 12,25 %).”
It asks, “What do fans think of the plans for “their” stadium, whether it is the expansion of Marien stadium or the construction of a new one on the outskirts?”
The authors say, “Those in favour of a new stadium see an opportunity to play European matches at home in their own stadium and a means of ensuring the continued existence of the club at the highest level.
“For those against a new stadium, the risks of a loss of club identity and higher ticket prices are linked to the fear that a new stadium would undermine the sense of belonging which unites fans with the club.”
The study says that “another widely shared argument concerning this sense of belonging is the accessibility of the new stadium, in particular by public transport.”
It goes on, “This argument certainly plays a part in the preference expressed by fans for the scenario involving the extension of the current stadium, with the project for a new stadium at Bempt in second place.”
The study, recently published, continues, “With negotiations likely to accelerate, the authors ask those involved in the project to take the fans seriously – whether they are local residents or the people of Brussels – and consult them regarding a project which concerns far more than the estimated 16,000 fans of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
“The issue of the stadium raises questions regarding the balance of leisure activities at Parc Duden and the preservation of its landscape in the extension scenario.
“A new construction involves the establishment of priorities for the use of the last large areas of public land.
“The stadium debate would therefore benefit from a more participative process, which would help reinforce the club’s unique image and reputation,” say the authors.
The argue that, “The issue of the stadium raises questions regarding the balance of leisure activities at Parc Duden and the preservation of its landscape in the extension scenario. A new construction involves the establishment of priorities for the use of the last large areas of public land.
“The stadium debate would therefore benefit from a more participative process, which would help reinforce the club’s unique image and reputation,” the authors state.
Photo credit: USG
