Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mechelen plans to demolish Nekkerhal in 2032, sparking backlash from event organisers, N-VA (Marc Hendrickx), and Vlaams Belang, who fear economic and cultural loss, especially for Jumping Mechelen.
As VRT News reported, the city council of Mechelen has decided to demolish the well-known Nekkerhal in 2032, which has caused a lot of reactions from event organisers, political groups, and locals. The N-VA party quickly spoke out against the plan. Marc Hendrickx from Mechelen’s N-VA said the Nekkerhal is important. He said it’s a landmark that many people know and love.
Hendrickx believes the hall is more than just an event space; it’s a cultural symbol that makes Mechelen famous. Events like Jumping Mechelen bring in many tourists, who stay in hotels and eat at restaurants, helping the city’s economy.
The opposition worries that removing the Nekkerhal without a good replacement will affect Mechelen’s culture and influence. They mentioned that this announcement has also raised concerns about how the city is developing and the possible loss of its heritage in the name of progress.
Will demolishing Nekkerhal in 2032 affect Mechelen’s economy?
Vlaams Belang has also spoken out against the Nekkerhal demolition. They say the city council didn’t properly study how it would affect the economy. The party believes that removing the hall could affect Mechelen’s economy, especially tourism and local businesses.
Vlaams Belang fears that the decision could be a mistake without knowing the full financial impact. They say the Nekkerhal is important for Mechelen’s identity and economy. The party thinks the city leaders lack a long-term plan.
The N-VA opposition party is urging the city council to consider all options before demolishing the Nekkerhal. They point out that experts have said the hall is structurally sound and could last for years with maintenance. N-VA wants the city to hire an independent study to find out how much it would cost to renovate the building.
They mentioned that this cost should be compared to the cost of demolishing the hall and building a new one. The opposition believes this transparent process is necessary to make a responsible decision that respects Mechelen’s heritage and economy. They see this approach as essential for maintaining public trust and protecting the city’s assets.
According to the officials, the Nekkerhal is a key part of Mechelen’s culture, hosting many big public events, trade shows, and international competitions. Jumping Mechelen, a famous horse-riding event held yearly between Christmas and New Year, is one of the most popular. They mentioned that it attracts many visitors from Belgium and other countries, making it a big event in the Flemish sports calendar and a draw for tourists.
Event organisers are very disappointed, as they are unsure where they will find a new location with the necessary space and infrastructure. They fear that the demolition could threaten long-standing traditions that entertain and boost the city’s economy.
“The Nekkerhal is a landmark that many generations of Mechelen residents are proud of.”
Marc Hendrickx (N-VA)
