Over the next six years, Bruges will invest around 300 million euros, approximately 50 million per year. Including in the second phase of the BRUSK arts hall and the redevelopment of the station area. Flanders only provides 250,000 euros in subsidies for the urgent renovation of the Belfry, which is too little. Pascal Ennaert, alderman for finance Bruges (Vooruit): “We have currently allocated 7.8 million euros for the restoration of the tower. If we want to tackle the entire building, we need support from the Flemish government. The same for the Beguinage.”
Safety
Bruges also invests in safety. A new fire station will be built and the police budget will increase from 33 to 40 million euros. Dirk De fauw, mayor of Bruges (CD&V): “We now provide the necessary resources to staff the entire force. The intention is not to have more police in the offices, but more on the streets. That is also what people expect: that there is a blue presence on the streets. Bruges must be a safe city.”
Cruise tax
Bruges is introducing a new cruise tax to generate revenue. From 2027, every tourist who docks in Zeebrugge will pay 5 euros. In 2028, the residence tax will also increase from 3.75 to 5 euros per overnight stay. Bruges will also levy half a euro tax per participant on paid events, such as Cactus or the Bruges Marathon. And from now on, the vacancy tax will apply from six months onwards instead of one year. Finally, Bruges also wants to soon collect GAS fines for minor speeding violations itself.