Image
A new future for industrial heritage
Published on 26 November 2021
Netherlands
Groningen
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Industrial heritage sites are often landmarks in the landscape, being a an important part of the region's identity. On the other hand they are often extensive buildings, with a lot of maintenance issues and difficult to make environmentally sustainable. Also they are a challenge according to find new uses and being economic profitable.
One of the industrial sites with a long history in redevelopment is one of the carton factories in the east of the province. Being a landmark and surviving witness of a lost industrial past, these kind of factories are an important part of the identity of the region. In 1997 it was appointed as a National Monument.
Over time the building luckily has been rescued and restored but several good attempts to find new uses for it stranded. The size of the building and its location, a 30 minute drive from the city of Groningen towards the German border, have proven to make it difficult to find a permanent solution. At this moment a new plan is in development to turn it into a large music hall, hotel/bar and restaurant. Since temporary solutions like a cultural festival have proven to be very successful, this looks like the way forward.
From a heritage point of view, keeping balance with the history of the building and its surroundings is highly recommended. How to do this will be one of the challenges, next to creating an economic profitable model.
One of the industrial sites with a long history in redevelopment is one of the carton factories in the east of the province. Being a landmark and surviving witness of a lost industrial past, these kind of factories are an important part of the identity of the region. In 1997 it was appointed as a National Monument.
Over time the building luckily has been rescued and restored but several good attempts to find new uses for it stranded. The size of the building and its location, a 30 minute drive from the city of Groningen towards the German border, have proven to make it difficult to find a permanent solution. At this moment a new plan is in development to turn it into a large music hall, hotel/bar and restaurant. Since temporary solutions like a cultural festival have proven to be very successful, this looks like the way forward.
From a heritage point of view, keeping balance with the history of the building and its surroundings is highly recommended. How to do this will be one of the challenges, next to creating an economic profitable model.
Resources needed
Local and regional government took the responsibility for clearing the site from asbestos for an estimated 2.6 milj. Euro.
The first phase of the restoration (wind and watertight) 7 million euros.
Second phase is believed to cost an estimated 5 million euros.
The first phase of the restoration (wind and watertight) 7 million euros.
Second phase is believed to cost an estimated 5 million euros.
Evidence of success
This site is restored and plans are being made for the future. In pre-covid times the building has already been used for several artistic and music events. Proving the great potential of the space and its surroundings. Adopted by a new owner, with skills and experience in real estate a commercial profitable model is worked out . Also this casus has put the importance of the keep-sake of industrial heritage for future generations on the political agenda.
Potential for learning or transfer
- How to cope with large heritage buildings
- How to cope with industrial heritage
- Sustainable future with long term solutions in purpose and maintenance
How can we built and secure more / enough support in the broader community for large heritage sites in rural, less densely populated areas?
How do we nowadays secure a sustainable business case for large scale industrial heritage sites, given the fact that they were built to serve quite a different purpose?
- How to cope with industrial heritage
- Sustainable future with long term solutions in purpose and maintenance
How can we built and secure more / enough support in the broader community for large heritage sites in rural, less densely populated areas?
How do we nowadays secure a sustainable business case for large scale industrial heritage sites, given the fact that they were built to serve quite a different purpose?
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Private investor
Netherlands
Groningen
Contact
Specialist Rural Development