Geraardsbergen Receives Over 630,000 Euros for Oud-Hospitaal Restoration

Geraardsbergen is set to restore its historic Oud-Hospitaal, a significant project backed by a 637,500 euro grant from the Flemish government. The neogothic building, currently home to the Art Academy, faces critical structural issues, primarily leaky roofs that jeopardize its well-preserved historic interior.

The substantial funding, provided through the Agency for Immovable Heritage, will cover essential repairs to the roofs, rainwater drainage systems, dormer windows, and masonry. This investment is part of a larger restoration plan estimated at 1.5 million euros, with Flanders covering 42 percent of the costs and the city of Geraardsbergen financing the remainder. Flanders had previously contributed 263,000 euros to earlier restoration efforts.

Officially known as the former Our Lady's Hospital, the Oud-Hospitaal is located on Grotestraat in Geraardsbergen. Its origins date back to around 1100, established by the Counts of Flanders. Over centuries, it evolved into a complex institution serving as a hospital, monastery, and care facility, and is recognized as one of Flanders' oldest and best-maintained hospital complexes.

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In Geraardsbergen, students of the Art Academy take lessons in a setting that comes straight out of the Story of Flanders. We want to keep it that way, which is why we are now saving this Oud-Hospitaal from water damage. Too many monuments have already been completely destroyed because nothing was done about seeping water. We will not let that happen here.

Flemish Minister of Immovable Heritage, Ben Weyts, stressed the urgency of the repairs. "In Geraardsbergen, students of the Art Academy take lessons in a setting that comes straight out of the Story of Flanders. We want to keep it that way, which is why we are now saving this Oud-Hospitaal from water damage," he stated. "Too many monuments have already been completely destroyed because nothing was done about seeping water. We will not let that happen here."

Ann Panis, the city's alderman for Heritage, expressed her satisfaction with the investment. "Our city is a true gem in the Flemish Ardennes in terms of history," she said. "The city continues to invest in the restoration of our heritage every year. This way, we can clearly show the next generation that they must cherish these heritage buildings."

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Our city is a true gem in the Flemish Ardennes in terms of history. The city continues to invest in the restoration of our heritage every year. This way, we can clearly show the next generation that they must cherish these heritage buildings.