Linter (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Linter has begun restoring the 17th-century Waterhof barn for the Chiro youth group. The €4 million project, led by ERF with €1 million subsidy, will take about 2 years.
As VRT News reported, in Linter, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, restoration work has begun on the 17th-century Waterhof barn, a protected heritage building and one of the municipality’s oldest landmarks. Once it is restored, the barn will become a new home for the local Chiro youth group. A new multipurpose hall will also be constructed adjacent to it to ensure events, gatherings, and activities can take place locally.
Mayor Marc Wijnants (Team Burgemeester) stated the project gives the historical place new significance.
“We’re saving the barn from decay and giving it a wonderful new purpose. This way, we’re combining the past and the present,”
he stated.
What is ERF’s role in Linter’s €4M restoration of the 17th-century Waterhof Barn?
The Flemish Brabant Heritage Foundation (ERF) is supervising the restoration of the 17th-century Waterhof barn in Linter. The foundation manages the historic site and is keeping a close watch on the progress. ERF experts are making sure the renovation follows heritage guidelines and uses materials that match the original structure.
“The entire project costs almost €4 million, and thanks to ERF, we received €1 million in subsidies,”
Winants adds.
“They also have the expertise to precisely handle such a restoration.”
Leaders of Chiro Melkwezer welcomed the start of the work with great enthusiasm.
“It’s wonderful that the restoration begins today, on Youth Movement Day,”
said Nel and Stien, the group’s leaders.
“We’re really looking forward to having our own home, with a large grassy area to boot. We are currently located in a building that also houses other clubs. But here, we’ll be able to do our own thing.”
Once the restoration is complete, the youth group will occupy the barn.The property was purchased by the municipality in 2020 to stop it from further deteriorating. The barn had fallen into serious disrepair due to years of neglect, resulting in damage to both the wooden frame and the roof. The work commenced with the careful removal of an old wooden truss, which marked the official start of the project. The restoration will be further directed towards the repair of the material rather than a complete replacement, and will try to maintain the original appearance.
