The Brinkhof in Norg should be given monumental status, according to heritage association Heemschut Drenthe. The multifunctional center was founded more than 51 years ago.
“This is a very special example of architecture after 1965,” says chairman Frans Schouten. The Brinkhof is one of the six meeting centers of Cor Kalfsbeek, the architect who won the Grand Cultural Prize Drenthe in 2016. According to Schouten, the meeting center fits in ‘exemplarily’ in the village center, because the design is inspired by the Norger Duinen. “It is beautifully embedded and certainly does not pollute the landscape.”
In addition to its appearance, De Brink has great social value, says Schouten. The multifunctional center offers a stage for many small and large events in Norg. “This is the heart of the village, the center of all activities. Almost all clubs are involved.”
Retaining De Brinkhof as a village hall is not yet a done deal. The other five buildings in Kalfsbeek have been demolished over the years or their function has drastically changed. Schouten fears a similar fate for the multifunctional center in Norg, and not without reason. In 2024, it wanted Dr. Nassau College temporarily moved there until a petition prevented this.
Due to the ‘special character’ of De Brinkhof, with a building complex that has undergone little tinkering over the years, according to heritage association Heemschut it is now time to rename the building a monument. “It must be protected, so that De Brinkhof is preserved for future generations,” says Schouten.
“We aim to have the municipality of Noordenveld declare it a monument,” concludes Schouten. “This should be a first step in that direction.”
