After years of waiting and the mobilization of several provincial teams, the young residents of the general residential service at Les Tourelles in Chercq have officially taken possession of their new facilities. This investment of 4.2 million euros, entirely funded by the Province of Hainaut, aims to provide the best living conditions for these children.
For the support team, led by coordinator Jessica Lecomte, this is the culmination of a long journey. Established in the 1960s, the service houses minors placed under mandate by the Youth Judge, accommodating children sometimes from birth up to the age of eight, often from difficult family backgrounds. Les Tourelles is the only service of its kind in the Tournai arrondissement.
The original building was devastated in June 2016 by a flood from the Rieu de Barges, necessitating an emergency evacuation and temporary relocation to the center of Tournai. More recently, during the summer of 2025, a collapse during nearby construction work damaged part of the living areas, requiring another temporary move.
Despite these challenges, the team's energy never waned, supported by provincial solidarity and donations from benefactors. The new building, designed by Hainaut Gestion du Patrimoine, is a model of sustainable eco-construction, featuring an innovative wooden structure, green roofs, and bio-based insulation. The site's development and optimal security were managed by experts from Hainaut Ingénierie Technique.
The official inauguration of these magnificent new living spaces marks a significant change in the children's daily lives. The Province of Hainaut commended the mobilization of all colleagues who have dedicated themselves over the years to the well-being of these young residents.
