Tournai officials to present new urban development project

A citizen meeting will be held on September 1 at the Maison de la Culture to present details regarding future urban development projects in Tournai. The meeting aims to gather public feedback and suggestions before the official urban planning permit application is submitted.

The new project follows the abandonment of a previous proposal, which faced challenges including legal appeals, timing constraints related to Walloon Region subsidies, and necessary budgetary adjustments by the new majority. Mayor Marie-Christine Marghem noted that the revised approach was a prudent measure to ensure the project could meet deadlines and secure funding.

According to Urban Planning Alderman Benjamin Brotcorne, the ambitious project is transversal, involving seven municipal services including urban planning, environment, green spaces, sports, youth, social cohesion, and mobility. The development plan emphasizes maintaining and expanding the urban forest to protect biodiversity and aims to strengthen soft mobility through improved cycling paths.