The city of Mechelen and the province of Antwerp are working together on the development of a new site at the corner of Hombecksteinweg and Uilmollenweg. They want to accommodate as many games as possible there. In theory, the realization of the first phase should begin by the end of this year.

In the first phase, construction of several sports fields is on the agenda: a football field in natural grass and one in artificial grass, an official ground for rugby and a multi-sport field. In addition, there will also be an area for various beach games, a large section of Finnish pistachios and a central new building.

The first draft of the temporary partnership Archiles-Omgeving is ready. This gives an idea of ​​what should happen. “Obviously these are just general outlines and a general picture, but it clearly shows where we want to go with the city with this new multifunctional site,” said Abdrahman Labsir (Vld-Groen-m+), alderman for called sport.

According to him, the proximity of Vrajbroek Park makes it a nice added value for the visitor. “We want to use the new site as much as possible for the widest possible audience. Exercise and sports bring people together, but it will be much more than just a sports venue. It will also connect people.”

Mechelen city council on Monday evening also approved an additional budget of one million euros within the total project. With that money Sport Actif Mechelen (SAM) plans to refurbish the grounds of SK Hafen on Gentsteinweg. There, the city is investing in an artificial grass field, but one is also being laid in natural grass for the youth. This should enable the club to centralize its operations. In a slightly longer period, the building is also being renovated.