10 million for restoration of Thermae Palace

‘I am pleased to announce that the Government of Flanders has finally given the go-ahead to start the much-needed works on this iconic site. We are talking about a large-scale restoration project here. By investing 10 million, the most urgent, structural works can be carried out. This first investment ensures that the various stakeholders have a good basis to implement a feasible restoration and redevelopment plan,’ said Minister Matthias Diependaele.

Royal Galleries refurbished

The propped up Royal Galleries will be refurbished with the grant. The roofs will be restored, as will the natural stone and ceramic floors. The exterior carpentry and the wooden benches will be renewed according to a historical model and adaptation work will be carried out in function of integral accessibility.

The Thermae Palace is now initially undergoing a shell restoration. The building will be waterproofed and all roofs will be insulated. Concrete rot repair, facade restoration, reopening the eastern and western galleries, restoration and renewal of exterior joinery to a historic model with double glazing and restoration of all wrought and cast iron balustrades are also on the agenda.

Mayor Bart Tommelein of the city of Ostend is a satisfied man; “Ostend residents have been waiting for years to see this beautiful monument shine again. The building is also inextricably linked to Ostend for visitors. The Thermae Palace is one of the iconic buildings of our city. Together with the city council, we are doing everything we can to make various buildings with great heritage value shine again. The budgets needed to return this building to its glory are unprecedented, but thanks to this investment we are taking a first step towards a new future.”