Volley Vlaanderen is developing plans for a new sports hall at the current EuroVolley Center in Vilvoorde. The project aims to provide a permanent home for Belgian elite volleyball and develop the site into a place that brings together sport, education, childcare, health and work.

With the new sports hall, Volley Vlaanderen wants to modernise ageing infrastructure and strengthen its operations in the long term. The plans go beyond constructing a hall: by bringing different users and activities together, the federation aims to create opportunities for collaboration and shared use of facilities.

More than a sports hall

The sports hall is at the heart of a broader project. Alongside elite sport and the elite sports school, the site offers opportunities for sports federations, businesses, offices, shared services, fitness and events. Sharing infrastructure and expertise can help organisations support each other and make more efficient use of the available space.

Volley Vlaanderen is also building on existing partnerships. Infano, which already provides childcare in the current building, will have space in the new building as a tenant and childcare partner. Fyzix, which is already based on the site, will also move into the new premises.

Preparing for the future

Ageing buildings and technical systems carry a risk of unexpected repairs and unpredictable maintenance costs. With the new infrastructure, Volley Vlaanderen aims to reduce this vulnerability and improve long-term management.

The future operation of the site is also part of the plans. Agreements on ownership, rental, maintenance and use should contribute to a financially sound project. The proposed collaboration with several owners and tenants will help spread responsibilities and risks while diversifying income from the use and rental of spaces.

General Director Lander Vandecaveye explains the ambition:

“We are not just building a sports hall, but a sustainable model: by renting out spaces, organising events and working with partners, we are diversifying our income over the long term. This will become the permanent home of Belgian elite volleyball, with infrastructure built for the future. This project will help Volley Vlaanderen achieve its ambitions.”

Dedicated funding for construction

The construction is made possible in part by subsidies from Sport Vlaanderen and additional project-specific funding. This funding is specifically tied to the construction of the new sports hall. Without this building project, these funds would not be available, including for other sporting activities.

Budgets for grassroots sport, club support and elite sporting activities remain allocated to those purposes and will not be redirected towards construction. The project funding is therefore separate from the resources Volley Vlaanderen uses to organise its day-to-day sporting activities.

Next steps and planning

Further implementation depends on financial and contractual agreements, the permit process and preparations for construction. Volley Vlaanderen will share specific construction and opening dates once they have been confirmed. Details of how the spaces will be configured and used will also be provided as the project develops.

Clubs, tenants, local residents and other stakeholders will be kept informed throughout the process. If access, parking or use of the site is affected, they will receive practical information in advance.

Volley Vlaanderen brings together progress updates and answers to frequently asked questions on the project page. Do you have a question that has not yet been answered there? Let us know at info@volleyvlaanderen.be Your questions will help us expand the information available.