Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Slagmolen in Genk, dating to 1527, is being restored by Natuurpunt with €500,000 from the Flemish government. Supported by Minister Ben Wets and Mayor Wim Dries, it will become a visitor centre linking De Maten and Stiemerbeek Valley. The €1.8 million project needs €270,000 more.
The Slagmolen is being turned into a gateway to 2 nature areas: De Maten and the Stiemerbeek Valley. These places are known for their wetlands and beautiful scenery. The Flemish governmentFlemish regional Government negotiations supports this project to keep history alive.
Ben Wets, a minister, said it is important to restore old sites for everyone to enjoy. The Slagmolen will become a lively spot where history and nature come together. He mentioned that it will offer fun and learning for the community.
A lot of people will be able to enjoy the greenery and our heritage,
says Wets.
The Slagmolen in Genk has been given many new uses since the 16th century, now as a gateway to the De Mate nature reserve and the Stiemerbeek valley.
How will Slagmolen Genk’s €1.8M restoration connect nature and history?
The Slagmolen building in Genk has not changed much in the last 10 years. It did not have any big repairs or updates during this time. Before that, it was a café and a meeting place for people in the area. Now, there are plans to turn it into a visitors’ centre. This centre will connect directly to the De Maten nature reserve.
Jaak Luys, who is in charge at De Maten, said they will work with Natuurpunt. They will redesign the back of the building to create a smooth link between the old mill and the nature around it. He mentioned that this change will make the site better for families, hikers, and visitors.
The Slagmolen renovation project has strong support from the Flemish government and the city of Genk. Flemish Minister Ben Wets and Mayor Wim Dries visited the site to check the plans and help with the work. They joined volunteers to put poles in the ground for a safety fence. This fence will keep visitors safe during construction.
The Flemish government is giving €500,000 to help get the old mill working again. The whole project will take about 1.5 years and cost around €1.8 million. More funds will come from the Agency for Nature and Forests and Tourism Flanders. Natuurpunt still needs to raise €270,000 more to finish because of higher costs.
The Slagmolen in Genk is an old watermill with a history that goes back to 1527. It has changed many times over the years. Now, Natuurpunt, a nature group, wants to give it a new role. They want it to connect people with nature and local culture.
The mill is on a bike route. According to officials, a visitor centre is being built to help people relax and enjoy the area. The watermill is being restored to work again and grind grain like it did in the past.
