The Belgian Ministry of Defence is set to invest €550 million in a new military district in Charleroi, as reported by L’Echo on Thursday.
The previous Federal Government had initiated the project to create two new state-of-the-art districts, one in Flanders (Grammont) and another in Charleroi.
In Charleroi, the mega-project reached a significant milestone with the first details having been released on 6 June, with the Belgian Government aiming to launch the design and construction phase, as well as signing all contracts, by the end of 2025.
This military district will host various Ministry of Defence departments, including a cyber component, with the overall aim to create 1,500 direct jobs.
An amphibious assault carried out by the 2nd commando battalion, pictured during a military exercise close to Charleroi, Friday 07 May 2021. Credit: Belga
The Ministry seeks maximum engagement from construction companies for this large-scale project, involving the development of a site approximately 27 hectares in size, starting in 2027.
The district will be integrated into the city and feature outdoor and indoor training areas, a simulation complex, and an indoor shooting range.
It will also include facilities for military vehicle maintenance, a medical and paramedical infrastructure in the form of a primary care centre and a nursery. Additionally, it will offer accommodation, sports facilities, and hospitality services.
These "districts of the future" aim to rebalance military presence across Belgium by establishing bases in areas where the Ministry of Defence has little or no presence, with high employment potential.
