Heffen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The city council of Mechelen authorised architects to create a new roof design for the Heffen sub-municipality church. The church suffered severe damage due to a storm in 2024.
Mechelen city council authorized the architectural design work focusing on building a new roof structure for the church located in Heffen sub-district in Antwerp province of Flemish region of Belgium . A storm in 2024 caused severe damage to the church structures.
We are now looking for an architect and are releasing 2.5 million euros,
says responsible alderman Greet Geypen (For Mechelen). Building restoration activities will begin after the next spring season.
The City of Mechelen needs an architect who will direct the restoration work on the Heffen church. The civic council authorized the assignment for the nave roof and spire reconstruction at the site. The church suffered severe damage from a storm that occurred during the summer, 2022.
The intention is to rebuild the roof and the spire as they were. The village view of Heffen is protected. That is why we even kept the historic beams of the roof in our city depot after the disaster,
says responsible alderman Greet Geypen (For Mechelen).
We are not waiting for that and are now starting all the procedures. The work should start in the spring of 2026. The roof and the tower should be finished a year later.
What is the history of the Heffen Church restoration?
The Heffen church exists as a historic landmark in the Mechelen sub-municipality where it represents the cultural legacy of the village throughout many centuries. The Gothic-designed structure underwent multiple restoration projects because of its cultural importance and religious status. A storm during 2024 inflicted serious damage to the spire and roof of the church which led Mechelen authorities to dedicate 2.5 million euros for a restoration project.
Throughout history the church has functioned as the main gathering spot for residents of Heffen while hosting religious events and all local community celebrations. The city depot currently safeguards original historic wooden beams from the church as part of a preservation initiative to protect its original architectural elements.
