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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

200-year-old mill in Diest to undergo thorough restoration: 'Mills were the engines of our prosperity'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The 200-year-old Verloren Kostmolen windmill in Diest, Belgium, is undergoing a major restoration with significant funding from the Flemish government.
  • The project, which includes repairing the mill's base, cladding, and technical components, is expected to be completed in 2027.
  • Officials highlighted the historical importance of windmills as engines of prosperity and enduring landmarks in Flanders.

A significant restoration project is underway for the historic Verloren Kostmolen windmill in Schaffen, a part of Diest, Belgium. The 200-year-old structure, a cherished local symbol, will receive a comprehensive overhaul aimed at preserving its heritage and ensuring its functionality.

Mills form a very important chapter in the story of Flanders.

— Ben WeytsMinister of Immovable Heritage, highlighting the historical significance of windmills.

Minister of Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts has allocated 236,850 euros towards the restoration, emphasizing the cultural significance of windmills in Flanders. "Mills form a very important chapter in the story of Flanders," Weyts stated. The project will address structural issues, including the mill's leaning base, and will also involve restoring the entire cladding, the staircase, and the balcony. Crucial technical parts of the grain mill will also be renewed, with the aim of having the mill operational again once the work is complete.

The total cost of the restoration is estimated at 313,812 euros. The Flemish government, through the Agency for Immovable Heritage, is covering approximately 75% of this amount. The remaining costs will be shared by the city of Diest and the Flemish-Brabant Heritage Foundation (ERF).

For centuries, mills were the engines of our prosperity; today, they remain popular landmarks.

— Ben WeytsEmphasizing the enduring importance of windmills.

Bart Nevens, chairman of ERF Vlaams-Brabant, assured that the works are being carefully prepared and monitored in constant consultation with the local administration. Jeroen Overmeer, Diest's alderman for Heritage, underscored the Verloren Kostmolen's importance as a recognizable symbol and a source of local pride, making its preservation a priority for the city.

We ensure that the works are well prepared and monitored, always in consultation with the local government.

— Bart NevensChairman of ERF Vlaams-Brabant, on the project management.

The restoration is scheduled for completion in 2027. Weyts also proudly noted that the world's first wooden, rotatable windmill originated in Flanders, highlighting the region's historical innovation in milling technology. "For centuries, mills were the engines of our prosperity; today, they remain popular landmarks," he added.

It is a local pride, which is why we find it important to preserve this mill.

— Jeroen OvermeerDiest Alderman for Heritage, on the importance of the Verloren Kostmolen.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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