The demolition of the homes located on rue les Forges, including the former municipal swimming pool of Theux, should begin at the beginning of August according to the Alderman of Works, Bruno Gavray (IFR). “We are subject to deadlines to acquire and demolish the buildings. We should have finalized this by the end of 2024.” This work, estimated at 191,609 euros, cannot begin before because “we had an agreement with one of the owners so that he could occupy this building while he reassigned another home to Theux.” During the last municipal council, the method of handing over the work was approved. “It remains sad for the people who live in the neighborhood to have these scars from the floods”he continued.
As a reminder, the buildings will have to be demolished as part of the “sustainable neighborhoods” redevelopment plan, established following the floods of July 2021. “The first conclusions indicated that it was necessary to leave space in this area. We are not far from the point of confluence between the Wayai and the Hoëgne but also from the Pré l’Évêque stream with the Hoëgne.”
The objective of this major demolition is to widen the river bed and protect the neighborhood from the risk of future flooding.
Reused stones?
At the time, the houses were built in this location with stones from the Franchimont castle, indicates Bruno Gavray (IFR). “As part of the demolition, we agreed to recover the rubble from the existing buildings and make them available to the Compagnons de Franchimont for their renovation work.” They will be sorted and only the fragments in the best condition will be able to return to their place of origin.
Once the demolition work is completed, the area will be redeveloped. It should house, at the level of the Hoëgne, a system of tiers which would reach the top of the bank. With, in addition, a small square which will be a meeting space for local residents. The development will be financed by the Walloon Region as part of the repair work on the bank walls and resilient reconstruction. “We had the first sketches that we presented to the residents.” However, the project could still be modified, breathes the alderman. The Spi and non-navigable waterways will be responsible for leading the discussions.
While waiting for the development work to begin, the municipality wanted to provide an option. The site could be transformed into a parking area, at a cost of 87,815 euros which would be used to stone the land. “We lack parking in the area. We would also like to consolidate the surrounding area if necessary. The idea is not to gut the area and leave it under construction.” The idea is to move forward with the development project and maintain a sufficient level of security. “The wall along the bank remains at the same level to protect the neighborhood.”
