Charleroi-Gosselies 1 Redevelopment Site Project: Environmental Impact Report
Stratec was commissioned to produce the environmental impact report for the project to recognise the Charleroi-Gosselies 1 area (former Caterpillar industrial site) as a Redevelopment Site.
Location: Gosselies
Client: Soresic
Date: 2024
Partners: ASM Acoustics, Biotope Environnement, Drea2m
Context and Objectives
The former Caterpillar plant in Gosselies (92 ha) represents a vast Walloon industrial brownfield. Its closure in 2016 deeply impacted the Charleroi region, with the loss of over 2,000 direct jobs and a vacant site. The Walloon Region, through SORESIC, sought to transform this situation into an opportunity by launching a redevelopment project as a Redevelopment Site.
Our study supported this approach by identifying key challenges: soil and groundwater pollution (hydrocarbons, PFAS, heavy metals), widespread asbestos removal, demolition and recycling of obsolete buildings, but also leveraging the site’s potential: a strategic location, at the intersection of the airport, the E42, and the N5, and a large, already impervious land footprint, suitable for “recycling” the land for other projects.
The objective of the impact report was to clarify the environmental impacts of the project by highlighting the risks, constraints, and opportunities, and thereby guide the site’s redevelopment towards new attractive and sustainable uses (e.g., Business Park, leisure area).
Photo credit: IGRETEC
Methodology
Our methodology combined:
- A detailed analysis of the initial state (physical environment, biodiversity, landscape, heritage, socio-economic context, mobility)
- The identification and assessment of impacts related to the demolition, remediation, and redevelopment phases
- Recommendations on the “mobility” theme
- The study of alternative perimeters and uses to substantiate the choices made
- The formulation of corrective and monitoring measures
Photo credit: IGRETEC
Results
The study highlights the feasibility and relevance of redeveloping the Caterpillar site into a sustainable and attractive business park, reconciling environmental challenges and economic needs.
Contact
Any questions or a specific requirement? Speak with our expert now
- Julie Simon
- j.simon@stratec.eu
- Director of Studies
- +32 2 738 78 77