Brussels, November 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Residents of the Brussels municipalities of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean are joining forces to oppose controversial plans for a new multi-faith cemetery on the Hoogveld site in the west of Brussels.
A citizens’ movement called SOS Hoogveld has emerged in response to plans to turn a large green space in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe into a burial ground with thousands of graves.
Plans for 7,000 Burial Plots on Five Hectares
The project, first reported by Sudinfo in October, would see about 7,000 burial plots developed across five hectares of land on Rue Hoogenbos. The site includes 3.5 hectares owned by the City of Brussels’ Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS) and an adjacent privately owned plot of 1.5 hectares.
The proposed multi-faith cemetery could open as early as 2029 and would provide enough burial capacity for about 15 years.
Residents Fear Loss of Green Space
Residents living around the site, which borders Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, are determined to stop the development. They say it would fundamentally change the character of a green space surrounded by homes, some of which look directly onto the fields.
“We have gone from a market gardening project aimed at protecting this site to plans for a cemetery,” said Laetitia, who lives on an adjacent street in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. “From my windows, I currently look out onto an open meadow. Tomorrow, there would be graves, fences and hearses right outside people’s homes. This is not the right place for that.”
Concerns Over Traffic and Mobility
Many residents are particularly concerned about the potential impact on mobility, parking, accessibility and traffic in the surrounding streets.
Others fear losing a natural environment that has been part of their daily lives for decades. “I have had this wonderful view before my eyes for 28 years, and now they want to take it away from me? Never,” said Dany, who lives on Rue du Bon Pasteur.
