“The SNCB must take into account a difficult budgetary context”: will the mega project “Fonsny” at the Gare du Midi will see the light of day?

“It is not possible to determine precisely when the work for the Fonsny project will start “ – "the sncb must take account

“This file […] is being studied, deepened by my services, from the angle of the opportunity, the good financial and budgetary management, taking into account in particular the return on investment, the added value compared to the organization of the work of the teams of the two autonomous public companies, and in terms of incidence on the revitalization of the district “, the Minister of Mobility replied to the Federal Parliament. For example, “”My office was also accompanied by an external expert so that we can actually check all the data. For example, including the budget data. However. In addition, it is not possible to determine precisely when the work for the Fonsny project will start, given the appeal “the sncb must take account in cancellation filed in February 2023 at the Council of State against this project. Moreover, The SNCB must also take into account a difficult budgetary context and recent construction costs. However, “

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The Chahid Ridouane (PS)Act. Nevertheless, with regret and a deep concern, of the response provided by the Minister of Mobility. However, […] In the absence of sufficient budgets. Moreover, we have learned that these projects are simply put on pause for an indefinite period. Rather than bringing a clear calendar. concrete commitments, the minister takes refuge behind procedural arguments and “budgetary context” to justify the inaction. The announcement according to which “it is not possible to determine precisely when the work begins” sends an alarming signal: that of a project put on pause. without a tangible restoration of “the sncb must take account restart. “

“Our capital deserves better”

“We cannot accept that this file remains bogged down in blurred administrative. budgetary considerations, while the Midi district continues to deteriorate, in the absence of visible and structuring public investments. We call on the government to assume its responsibilities. The Fonsny project cannot be sacrificed on the altar of indecision. budget cuts that the Arizona majority decided to impose on the SNCB. better.”

Plans B of the Midi residents at the bar of 60m high from the new SNCB seat: “bringing together 4. 000 employees serves them to justify a prestigious project”

Less than a year ago, however, the SNCB suggested that it planned to start construction at the end of this year, in early 2026. The release of Jean-Luc Crucke seems to question the agenda of the public transport company. which refuses to comment if not reproduce the minister’s “the sncb must take account response. However. it has been almost ten years since the SNCB would like to bring together its employees in a single site. The Brussels Region granted the town planning permit in August 2022, three years already. An appeal to cancellation carried by Bruxelles inter-environment. Bral, the urban renovation center of Anderlecht and two residents was introduced to the Council of State in February 2023. The latter has still not made an opinion. However, this is an appeal to cancellation, not in suspension. The SNCB can therefore start its site without problem.

“This project is a ministry of the SNCB, not a station”

The stake is therefore financial. What the bourgmestre of Saint-Gilles Jean Spinette (PS) regrets. “”In this project, we do a ministry of the SNCB, not a station. When I see what the federal Mons stationsGhent or Antwerp … All these cities have very beautiful stations “the sncb must take account and here, railway gateway to Belgium, we seem to lack money … We do not offer an ambitious project for the Midi Gare “the socialist is surprised. Which sees it as a new abandonment of Brussels on the part of the Federal. And proposes that, if it is a question of money, that the SNCB plans its two -story project. “”There is a large restaurant and a large fitness room. The SNCB can do without it, as long as the project is advancing. “