After the thorough renovation work on the interior of the Borgerhout District Hall, the restoration of the tower and the carillon will start. The work will start at the end of 2025.

The old town hall in neo-Flemish Renaissance style on Moorkensplein was built between 1886 and 1889, and was designed by the Antwerp architects and brothers Leonard and Henri Blomme. In 1974, the district house became the first protected monument in Borgerhout. The central tower adorns the northern, richly decorated facade.

Alderman for Heritage and Chairman of municipal real estate agency AG Vespa,  Johan Klaps (N-VA): “The city is investing heavily in Moorkensplein. We are realizing a new library and childcare here, among other things, we are creating a lively square. In addition to this beautiful project for Borgerhout, we are also taking care of the old town hall. We approved the complete restoration of the tower, including the restoration of the tower clock, the stained glass, the dormers. The renovated Moorkensplein? That will sound really good soon.”

AG Vespa will start work on the tower at the end of 2025, in which 47 carillon bells, worth 5,500 kilos of bronze, are installed.

Alderman for Finance and Decentralisation Koen Kennis (N-VA): “Everyone knows that the cathedral has a carillon. Antwerp does have one more carillon in Borgerhout, which is special and less well-known. That is why we have happily released resources to be able to carry out the restoration work on this beautiful instrument together with the restoration of the tower.”

An adjustment to the suspension of the bells and new clappers will ensure a warmer sound. By renewing the wiring, the transmission from the keyboard key to the clappers will improve. A new carillon keyboard will be installed so that carillonneur Tijl Stynen will once again have a pleasant playing comfort. 

The automatic playing mechanism (which plays a melody every half hour) will also be restored. Koen Van Assche, chairman of the World Carillon Federation, will be asked for expert advice in the context of this restoration.

Disruption

The public service will not be disrupted during the works. The contractor will place a temporary scaffolding on the outside that will occupy part of the square.

During repair works on the floor of the entrance hall, the monumental entrance to the district house will temporarily not be open.

Image by Thanh.

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