A rejigged project for the reconfiguration of Namur’s Léopold district, submitted by the Besix construction firm, is to undergo a public inquiry from 16 January to 14 February, the Namur city authorities have announced.
The integrated permit application for the multifunctional project was deemed complete and acceptable by Wallonia on 18 December, thus leading to the next phase – the public inquiry.
In May 2023, the Brussels-based construction group had withdrawn its application for a permit due to criticism received during a previous public inquiry. It is not yet known how the project has developed since then.
According to the project's presenters, the plans still involve the creation of a net commercial space of 14,256m2, 3,650m2 allocated to leisure and services, 8,460m2 for offices, 122 residential units and 824 underground parking spaces.
The proposal also includes the development of public spaces and the modification and removal of local roads.
In its last public inquiry, the Wallonia Trade Observatory had noted that a projected increase in commercial spaces of less than 200m2 would potentially lead to stiff competition for existing city-centre businesses.
The city of Namur also received around a hundred letters of criticisms, touching on commercial, environmental, heritage and mobility issues in the district.
