Rural renovation in Zelzate and Oostakker: Flemish subsidies approved

The Flemish Government adopted, on July 17, 2026, two decrees amending the rural renovation plans “Zelzate-Zuid” and “Oostakker-Noord”, published in the Belgian Official Gazette on August 31, 2026 (pages 47454 and 47473). These texts update the implementation programs and financing plans for the two operations, which mobilize regional subsidies paid by the Flemish Land Agency (VLM) for parks, cycle paths, afforestation, and sports infrastructure.

The two decrees, signed in Brussels on July 17, 2026, were proposed by the Flemish Minister of Environment and Agriculture. They fall within the framework of the Decree of March 28, 2014, relating to rural renovation and the Flemish Government Decree of June 6, 2014, which regulates its execution. The financing plans are updated during the development of the technical projects for the implementation of the measures.

The “Zelzate-Zuid” plan

Decree C-2026/006305 amends the decree of December 7, 2018, establishing the “Zelzate-Zuid” plan. Chapter 5 (implementation program) and Chapter 6 (financing plan) are replaced. The works are divided among several partners:

• VLM: development of the park area and green zone, land acquisition, construction of a separate cycle path, reinforcement of the N49 green buffer, and afforestation of the field near the Rosteyne industrial park;
• Province of East Flanders: development of the supra-local cycling link;
• Municipality of Zelzate: redevelopment for road safety, sports infrastructure, and related acquisitions;
• Broeders van Liefde ASBL (Sint-Jan Baptist psychiatry center): contact animal enclosures and conversion of forest stands.

The financing involves the Flemish Region, the municipality of Zelzate, North Sea Port, the province of East Flanders, ArcelorMittal Belgium SA, and the Department of Mobility and Public Works (Maritime Access division). Prior agreements are planned with ArcelorMittal Belgium SA and Broeders van Liefde ASBL for the provision of the park plots and the play forest.

The “Oostakker-Noord” plan

Decree C-2026/006303 amends the decree of December 1, 2023, establishing the “Oostakker-Noord” plan, of which only Chapter 6 (financing plan) is replaced. The measures concern:

• afforestation and land acquisition (expropriation) on the domain of the Department of Mobility and Public Works, Maritime Access division;
• the development of a recreation area and a multifunctional green zone, managed by the City of Ghent;
• the development of recreational trails, site access, and a grazing area west of Borkelaarstraat;
• the establishment of a public utility easement for a footpath north of the longitudinal canal.

Funding is shared between the Flemish Region, the City of Ghent, North Sea Port, and the Department of Mobility and Public Works.

Scope for Residents

These two decrees, published in the Belgian Official Gazette on August 31, 2026, confirm the funding of facilities of local interest for the benefit of the residents of East Flanders: green and recreation spaces, cycle paths, afforestation, and sports infrastructure. The management of the works is entrusted to the municipalities of Zelzate and the City of Ghent upon their final acceptance, with acquired lands being transferred after completion of the works.

Official Source: Belgian Official Gazette (Belgisch Staatsblad), issue of August 31, 2026, pages 47454 and 47473 — Decrees of the Flemish Government of July 17, 2026 (references C-2026/006305 and C-2026/006303).