According to Minister of Immovable Heritage Matthias Diependaele (N-VA), his services have been urging NMBS for some time to better maintain the ticket office. The N-VA minister asks NMBS to develop a “sustainable future vision” for the building, taking into account René De Pauw’s wall paintings.
Otherwise, Flanders will start an enforcement process. According to Diependaele, this administrative enforcement can, if necessary, turn into criminal proceedings. “I hope that does not have to happen at NMBS,” said Diependaele.
Vooruit MP Annick Lambrecht asked the minister whether Flanders could help finance the necessary renovation works. “It is not up to Flanders to solve this. NMBS is the owner. We must place the responsibility where it lies,” said Diependaele. N-VA MP Maaike De Vreese shares that view. “The NMBS neglects the heritage and Flanders should pay for it? My heart bleeds when I see the neglect in Bruges.”