The case was brought by the non-profit Tentoonstellingspark van Brussel (TPB), which claimed Kinepolis had broken the terms of its contract because it was – in addition to showing movies – offering conference and events facilities, in direct competition with TPB at Heizel. The court, however, argued that Kinepolis’ activities were in keeping with the terms of its contract.

The Kinepolis dispute is the latest in a series of clashes between TPB, which is chaired by Brussels mayor Freddy Thielemans, and attractions on the Heizel plateau. Both Océade and Mini Europe are being forced to close down after TPB imposed space restrictions. Mini Europe is seeking an alternative location elsewhere.

The moves are aimed at clearing the way for Neo, a massive shopping, entertainment and conference complex to be built on the Heizel site.

New stadium

The government of Flanders and the city council of Grimbergen said they had a number of questions about the plan announced by the city of Brussels to build a new national football stadium on the site of Parking C at the Heizel complex. The new stadium would replace the King Baudouin stadium, which is being demolished to make way for new housing.

Parking C lies within the municipal boundaries of Grimbergen, and its mayor Marleen Mertens said she would be looking for assurances that the existing parking capacity at Heizel would be maintained, and that the stadium plans would include public transport provision.

Flemish planning minister Philippe Muyters, meanwhile, told the Flemish parliament he had no outright objection to the plan but would require answers to a number of questions concerning security, mobility and environmental impact, as well as the recently released report that the new stadium will not include equipment for athletics competitions.