The construction of the future Circular and Social Economy Center at Ecolys®, in Namur, has officially begun. On Thursday, October 1st, 2026, BEP Environnement and the Ressourcerie Namuroise laid the first stone for this ambitious project. This new site will bring together several activities dedicated to the reuse, repair, and valorization of objects and materials, aiming to give them a second life.
The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Stéphane Collignon, President of BEP Environnement, Yves Coppieters, Walloon Minister of Environment, Vincent Maillen, representing the Walloon Government's Minister-President Adrien Dolimont, Alain Van Raek, representing the European Commission, and Charlotte Bazelaire, acting Mayor of Namur.
Located within the Ecolys® economic activity park, the center will offer four complementary activities: a reclaim park for voluntary drop-off of items by individuals and businesses, a materials library for selling reused materials, a permanent repair shop for everyday items, and a workshop for developing new circular economy projects.
The main objective is to reduce waste by promoting the reuse and circulation of objects and materials. The project also has a strong social dimension, contributing to the training and re-employment of individuals distant from the labor market.
This project represents a total investment of €7,268,971.20 and benefits from public co-financing, including €2,907,588.48 from the FEDER 2021-2027 program and €3,634,485.60 from Wallonia, as part of the 'A Greener Wallonia' objective.
Ultimately, the Circular and Social Economy Center at Ecolys® will become a reference point for reuse in the Province of Namur, bringing together citizens, reuse stakeholders, and partners around the common goal: giving a new life to what can still be useful.
