Menen Leie works can finally proceed after legal breakthrough
After years of stagnation due to procedures, the final environmental permit for the Leie works in Menen has been obtained, allowing the project to restart.
By Els Verhaeghe
••4 min read
AI
Generic image of a construction site along a waterway in Flanders, with machinery and greenery in the surroundings.
The Leie works in Menen can finally resume after a legal breakthrough. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv has obtained the final enforceable environmental permit, allowing the project to restart after years of stagnation.
After years of stagnation due to administrative and legal procedures, the Leie works in Menen can finally resume. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv recently obtained the final enforceable environmental permit. With a court ruling, the last procedure has also been concluded. The entire practical and budgetary process can now be restarted.
A ruling by the Court of First Instance on appeal ensures that the Leie works in Menen can finally begin, ending years of large-scale vacancy and decay. The court ruled that De Vlaamse Waterweg nv may use all the land necessary for the realization of the project. Recently, the municipal council of Menen already achieved a breakthrough in the appeal procedure against the environmental permit.
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"The passage through Menen is an important construction site within the Seine-Scheldt project, and it is now definitively permitted. It is an important link in a socio-economic project because, in addition to the added value for mobility, this site also enhances the living environment."
The start of the Leie works dates back to 2018. At that time, the first properties were purchased to carry out the project. In 2021, a first major demolition round took place. The properties made way for open space and temporary uses such as a play area, a BMX track, a multifunctional sports field, and additional parking space. Recently, a second demolition phase began by order of the mayor to end the long-term vacancy.
The Leie works are part of the European Seine-Scheldt project, which aims to facilitate modern inland navigation between Paris and the North Sea ports. The planned works offer an opportunity to make the environment along the Leie more beautiful and pleasant. The new banks will be car-free and green. Various meeting places with benches will be created for more interaction with the water. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to move more safely after the works.
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"We are facing an unprecedented metamorphosis of the area. Finally, there will be an end to vacancy and decay, and a new attractive urban district will emerge where the Leie plays a central role. The Leie works offer enormous opportunities. After a long period of uncertainty for the neighborhood and local traders, that future is finally getting closer. This is not only important for the Barakken district but also offers prospects for the further development and appeal of our entire city."
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"The past few years have not been easy for all involved. The delays and procedures have caused people to wait much longer than expected for the plans to be executed. We want to respond to that patience with a clear future perspective. The Leie works will drastically change the Barakken district: the area will become greener, safer, and more attractive, and the Leie will once again be a place that brings people together. We want to use this intervention as a lever for the further upgrading of the Barakken and of Menen as a whole."
The first indirect step in restarting the works is the demolition phase that began on October 19. For safety reasons, the former shops along Rijselstraat 144 to 182 and the remaining properties along Oostkaai 2 and 3 are being dismantled and demolished. The properties are owned by the Autonomous Municipal Company of Menen and De Vlaamse Waterweg nv. According to the schedule, the demolition works will last until spring 2027. Efforts are being made to connect the actual restart of the Leie works as soon as possible.
