Halle to Build New Sint-Rochus Scouts Premises with City Support
Halle – Scouts Sint-Rochus will receive new construction facilities from the Halle City Authorities. Their current premises have become outdated, and despite efforts, the youth movement struggled to secure enough funding for new facilities.
The city authorities in Halle decided to build new facilities for Scouts Sint-Rochus to modernize the infrastructure and expand the space to accommodate the growing youth population. The Biezeweide premises have housed Scouts Sint-Rochus for over 30 years, even though they were originally intended for short-term use.
As the number of scouts has grown to 220 members, city officials decided to oversee the construction of improved facilities. The limited space in the current premises has made it difficult to accommodate all members effectively. Group leader Jochem Weemaels expressed relief, stating:
**”We are glad we are getting help.”**
**”The intention was actually to use those buildings, which used to be a school, for only 10 or 15 years,”**
Weemaels explained.
**”So we urgently need new premises.”**
The leader highlighted that the increase in membership since the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the space issue.
**”We have had many new members since corona,”**
He continued.
**”In the meantime, we have clocked up more than 220. They do not all fit in our current premises.”**
**”Our youngest members can’t play at our premises because there’s just not enough space,”**
The scout leader added.
**”Fortunately, they get shelter at the Joepie playground. But of course, it would be nicer if we could all stay together. That way, we can start and end the activities together every weekend.”**
The scouts have been attempting to raise funds for new premises for almost seven years without reaching their goal.
**”We have been trying to save money for a new building ourselves for almost 7 years,”**
Weemaels explained.
**”But we have not yet succeeded in raising the full amount.”**
Alderman for Youth Louis Van Dionant (CD&V) stated:
**”As a city, we want to take on the building authority.”**
**”We also see that the current premises are no longer sufficient.”**
Alderman for Heritage Sven Pletincx (N-VA) added:
**”Now the young people will once again have the space to do what they are good at: giving children and young people a great time.”**
The scouts are relieved that the city is stepping in to manage the project.
**”We are happy that we are getting help,”**
Group leader Jochem stated.
**”We are already looking forward to seeing what the new premises will look like. Hopefully, they will be multifunctional. That way, other youth associations can also use our premises. Maybe we can rent them out to other youth movements to organise weekends or camps.”**
Alderman Van Dionant assured that the new infrastructure will be both functional and sustainable.
**”The new infrastructure will not only be functional, but also sustainable and accessible,”**
The new building will also include space for Akabe, the scouting department for children and young people with disabilities.
**”We hope to convey the message that scouting is open to everyone.”**
The city council aims to lay the foundation stone for the new premises this year.
**”That is ambitious, but we think it is a feasible goal,”**
Van Dionant added.
The Need for New Premises: A 30-Year History
Scouts Sint-Rochus has been operating at Biezeweide for over 30 years, despite the buildings only being constructed for a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The facilities, originally used as a school, have deteriorated, making them unsuitable for the growing number of young members.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth movement has seen an increase in membership, now exceeding 220 participants. However, the lack of available space has hindered the organization’s ability to host all members on-site. The scouts attempted independent fundraising for nearly seven years, but they were unable to raise the necessary funds to build new premises.
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