Restoration work Boerenhof starts

Over the past few days, Verstraete.team has started the restoration work of farmstead 't Boerenhof on the station square. In May, the Flemish Government approved an intervention of 216,226.37 euros for the restoration of this farm. Through the much-needed restoration of 't Boerenhof, our team ensures that an important historical site for Heist will remain vibrant in the future. The restored barn can be used as an extension or support for the existing trade and catering establishments on this site.  

This farm was classified as a monument in 1971. The historic farm goes back to a 12th-century tithe barn of the Sint-Bertijnsabdij of Sint-Omaars. This place is very important for the history of Heist because the first residents of the region were located here (hamlet 'Koudekerke'). Archaeological research is therefore planned in the barn at the start of the restoration work. 

After many years of vacancy, this valuable mountain shed is now being restored shell. The brick walls and the impressive roof truss are stabilized. Some existing gate openings will be fitted with windows, but the gates will be retained. The barn is also completely underpinned. This extension will be demolished and rebuilt only to a limited extent. In this way, sufficient daylight can still remain in the fairly closed construction without providing extra openings. After the restoration of the storage shed, it will be repurposed, possibly in relation to the trade and catering activities on the rest of the site.