Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Nearly 5,000 signed a petition by Leo Vivijs to save Mechelen’s Nekkerhal. Alderman Arthur Orlians cites €1.5M repair costs and plans a modern sports hall after demolition.
As VRT News reported, almost 5,000 people signed a petition against demolishing the Nekkerhal in Mechelen. The hall’s builder, Leo Vivijs, started the petition. He says the hall is important to the city’s history and culture.
Vivijs believes people now see the need to save it. He says the city exaggerates the damage, claiming it’s not serious and easy to fix. Vivijs thinks the building could last another century with proper care.
What will Mechelen gain by replacing the Nekkerhal?
According to officials, the Nekkerhal is crucial for Mechelen’s economy, hosting exhibitions and trade fairs that attract thousands of visitors each year. These events significantly benefit local businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and hotels, boosting the city’s financial health.
They mentioned that the petition highlights concerns that demolishing the hall without a replacement could remove a key source of income and activity. Supporters argue that the Nekkerhal is a unique and functional space, vital for both practical and symbolic reasons.
“The concrete rot has been determined by experts and will already cost us 1.5 million by 2032.”
Ships Arthur Orlians (For Mechelen)
Arthur Orlians, the Mechelen alderman, has responded to criticism about the Nekkerhal. He disputes the claim that the hall is structurally sound. Engineer Leo Vivijs had said the hall could last another century. Orlians says experts confirmed concrete rot.
He explains that maintaining the building until its demolition in 2032 would cost at least €1.5 million. The alderman stresses that the problems are not minor. He says there are growing structural issues that will get more expensive. The city believes that investing in the old hall is not a wise or sustainable choice.
Orlians also discusses the site’s future. The city has tried to sell the 90,000 square meter site many times. They even received €10 million from the Flemish government to help. However, no buyer has been found. The city believes the old event hall is part of the issue.
Orlians wants to give the site a new purpose and demolish the hall. The city council wants to focus on improving streets, public spaces, and supporting local groups. They believe the money should be used for infrastructure and community services. This would benefit more people than keeping the costly hall open.
The city of Mechelen is planning to build a new sports hall. It will be located on the grounds of the current Nekkerhal. This is because the Nekkerhal needs major repairs. The city has decided that renovating the Nekkerhal would cost too much money. They also want to modernise the sports facilities.
Officials mentioned that the new hall will have more space for sports and other events. It will also meet the latest safety standards. Construction is expected to begin after the Nekkerhal is torn down. The city aims to create a modern and functional space for the community. This project is part of a larger plan to improve sports infrastructure in Mechelen.
