The developer “La Résidence des Étoiles” won his case to restore the Cointe Observatory and develop around twenty high-end housing units and parking lots. The Liège civil court rejected on December 13 the appeals filed by the Société Astronomique de Liège (SAL), the ASBL Urbagora and a local resident. The plaintiffs contested the sale of the observatory by the Walloon Region, arguing that no order for the decommissioning of the public domain had been issued. The judge deemed their request “unfounded” and ordered them to jointly pay €1,800 as well as legal costs.
For the SAL, it is a difficult defeat to accept, although they consider their cause legitimate: to protect this listed historic site. Marko Sojic, president of the SAL, however, recognizes the difficulties in considering an appeal. François Schreuer, representative of Urbagora, remains cautious and awaits a meeting planned soon to decide what action to take.
The promoter is delighted with the judgment despite the refusal of his request for €16,000 in damages. The project was delayed by a year and a half, but the company is ready to move forward to renovate the whole while respecting classified parts such as the dome and the chaise longue.
The observatory, sold by the University of Liège in 2001, has deteriorated significantly, invaded by vandals, pigeons and rot. In 2023, the Walloon Region sold it for €1,625,000 with an obligation to preserve the historic elements. The developer plans to transform the old and new buildings into prestigious housing, with the agreement of the Cointe park owners’ association.
While waiting to officially become the owner, “La Résidence des Étoiles” has not incurred any major costs. Once the legal appeals are closed, it will submit an application for a building permit to realize the project.
The Astronomical Society of Liège launches its #legal action against the sale of the Cointe Observatory
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