The defence ministry is set to invest 550 million euros in a new military district in Charleroi, L’Echo reported on Thursday. Plans for the creation of two new military districts — one in Geraardsbergen and the other in Charleroi — were launched by the previous federal government.
On 6 June, the mega-project in Charleroi passed an important milestone with the launch of a preliminary information notice, aimed at awarding a design, build and maintenance contract by the end of 2025.
The new district will house various defence units, including a cyber component. To meet these requirements and accommodate 1,500 direct jobs, the defence ministry is seeking to generate maximum publicity among construction companies for this enormous project, which will involve developing a 27-hectare site from 2027 onwards.
Rebalancing military presence
Open to the city, the military district will feature outdoor and indoor training areas, a simulation complex, and a covered shooting range. Facilities for the maintenance of military vehicles will also be included, as well as medical and paramedical infrastructure in the form of a first-aid centre and a crèche.
Finally, the site will offer housing, sports facilities, and catering services. These “neighbourhoods of the future” aim to rebalance the military presence in Belgium by establishing it in areas with high employment potential and little or no defence presence.
