Multifunctional center in Aardenburg opens months later

The builder had already started demolishing the foundation of the former Vorsterman van Oyen primary school on his own initiative, although no permit had been issued for this purpose. It is very noticeable in Aardenburg, and therefore also in this place on the Sint Bavostraat, because there are almost always archaeological remains in the ground. Any excavator in the ground of Aardenburg, deeper than forty centimeters, must be marked and, if necessary, documented.

Not the intention

The municipality imposed a demolition stop on the contractor, because the removal of the foundation was – to say the least – “not the intention”, the city executive wrote to the city council. . First, the archaeological research had to be completed. The report can arrive at any time. The municipality then decides on the necessary follow-up measures and can issue the environmental permit.

The municipality is building a new multifunctional center in Aardenburg with the Op Dreef primary school, a nursery, a sports hall and a village house. It will be a building with a nod to Roman times, many traces of which can still be found in Aardenburg. The total construction cost amounts to 6.5 million euros. It was already two million more than what had been budgeted before, because the citizens of Aarden really wanted it to include a village house and a gym.

“ It’s having a tail ”

It is questionable whether this amount is still sufficient. Since then, the demand for building materials has increased sharply, and construction prices are also increasing rapidly and sharply. The municipality of Hulst noticed this earlier during the renovation of the Hulst museum, which costs 330,000 euros more and should be much more sober. The Municipality of Sluis is currently consulting the contractor on the additional construction costs, but also on the consequences of the error in the demolition work. Alderman Werkman: “It will definitely have a tail end. I’m sure it will cost more.”

New design

Because residents of the multifunctional center objected to a possible view from the patio garden on the first floor of the new building, the architect began to redesign. The modified design of the outdoor space will go to local residents this week, who will once again be able to respond. Werkman hopes this design with additional plantings can gain their approval.

Leaks on Dreef

The delay in the delivery of the new MFD does not mean that the municipality will still invest in the obsolete building of the Op Dreef primary school, which is struggling with leaks, Werkman: “We are not going to invest the money in a building being demolished. We’re doing what’s really necessary. is, but we’re really not going to put a new roof. “