Pajottegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Pajottegem set a world record as 112 residents removed 5,720 tiles at Markevallei school site in Herne, clearing 500 m². Mayor Kris Poelaert called it a step toward a greener future.
As VRT News reported, Pajottegem, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, has set a world record in tile lifting. On September 27, 2025, the former Markevallei school site in Herne, Pajottegem, became the setting for a world record.
On the old playgrounds, 112 residents gathered with drills and crowbars. In 1 hour, they lifted 5,720 paving stones from the ground. The cleared surface measured 500 square meters. The number was confirmed as a world record for tile lifting.
What does Pajottegem’s world record tile removal mean for the future?
The site will not only be turned into a village park but will also include a forest, a flower meadow and water buffers. Local authorities explained that the changes are designed with both nature and residents in mind.
The lower part of Heren has often been hit by flooding in the past. The initiative will therefore serve 2 purposes: to offer green space for the community and to protect the area from future floods.
“Major step towards a greener future for our municipality.”
Kris Poelaert, mayor of Pajottegem (CD&V)
“What a special moment this is to be able to experience this together with our residents,”
says Mayor Kris Poelaert (CD8).
“It’s remarkable to achieve the World Record for Tiling Removal with our newly merged municipality. This is a major step towards a greener future for our municipality.”
According to officials, the event highlights an urgent issue. Flanders is one of the most paved regions in Europe. The heavy use of stone surfaces has serious effects. Flooding after rain is increasing. Summers bring longer droughts and higher temperatures in towns. Wildlife and plants are also in decline.
To fight these problems, the Flemish government set a target. By 2030, 20,000 hectares of land must be de-paved. Cities and municipalities across the region are asking residents to lift tiles and replace them with green space. Pajottegem had not taken part in these actions before. Only one tile had been lifted in the whole municipality.
The municipality launched its 1st large tile-lifting campaign this year. The action was linked to a world record attempt. Residents, schools, and local groups worked together. People brought gloves, shovels, and wheelbarrows. The event was festive, with music and activities for the community.
By the end of the day, Pajottegem secured the record. It became the 1st town to hold a world record for tile lifting. The record has symbolic value but also clear results. Each tile removed helps water enter the soil and lowers the heat in paved areas.
