The residents of the Knoflook sanctuary in Den Bosch are in turmoil. According to Dtv, they were recently told that they had to leave the building they squatted on Havendijk. Asbestos had been found. Moreover, the collective is soon awaiting a lawsuit with the same stake. Kevin Timmerman, one of the residents, is concerned, but he is still hopeful that the residents’ collective will be allowed to stay for the time being.
Almost twenty years ago, the building on Havendijk in Den Bosch was squatted. It had been vacant for years and was according to the squatters, it has fallen into disrepair. Since then it has grown into a creative, culinary and social hotspot. People walk in and out, but all in a relaxed atmosphere. “The owner let it deteriorate, we breathed new life into it,” Kevin explains.
The sanctuary is located in the so-called Bossche City Delta, an area where the municipality wants to build houses. If it were up to Kevin and the fellow residents, they would continue to live there until they actually broke ground.
Discovery of asbestos
The mood has changed somewhat in recent weeks. The handful of permanent residents were told that asbestos had been found in the building and that is bad for their health. The carcinogenic substance was discovered in an investigation commissioned by the building owner, Cornelis Huygens Vastgoed in Vught.
The project developer is said to have been ordered by the mayor and aldermen to vacate and close the building at short notice. The residents were then told that they had to leave within a few days. According to them, moving so quickly is unreasonable. “You are told on Friday that you have a weekend to find a new home,” says resident Kevin. “That’s really impossible, where should we go?”
‘Just stay’
In any case, this forced move has been postponed for the time being. According to the residents, the Environment Agency has told them that they can stay there, except in the part of the building where asbestos was found. That’s closed. Kevin: “The asbestos is in some rooms, so we don’t think it is necessary to leave completely. As soon as the asbestos has been removed, we just want to stay here as Garlic.”
The municipality wants to think along: “The health risk obviously has an impact on the performance of their activities. We will discuss the situation with them shortly.”
The project developer says that the squatters were already asked to vacate the building in October last year. The real estate company wants to have its hands free in time when the City Delta can be developed. Because the squatters do not intend to leave, the company has started legal proceedings: the two parties will face each other on December 4.
Well-attended solidarity action
It would be a hard blow for the residents if the sanctuary had to be closed. “I’ve been coming here for years to have a bite to eat or to go to a concert,” says Abel Heijkamp. As a regular visitor, De Den Bosch stands up for the residents of the sanctuary and according to him they also receive support from a number of political parties. This morning there was a solidarity action in front of the building, which attracted dozens of people to the Havendijk.