The municipal council of Borger-Odoorn does not discuss it and fully supports the plans to renovate the town hall in Exloo. The town hall consumes energy, the workplaces are outdated and the council chamber is too narrow and drafty.
The council proposes to the city council to renovate the building on the Hoofdstraat in Exloo for an amount of between four and six and a half million euros. It must be a lot more sustainable, the workplaces must be more modern and the council chamber must also be overhauled. Officials complain about the climate in the town hall, which also consumes a lot of energy.
“It looks nice,” says Erik Braam of ChristenUnie. “But it is radical and cost-intensive. As a councilor I experience that it is sometimes too cold and sometimes too warm. The fact that the renovation will also lead to lower energy costs in the future makes it a good initiative. But do our residents understand this? These are expensive times for all of us.”
Braam emphasizes that there must be good communication about this plan to the outside world. The council also wants to set a good example for the residents. “If we call for residents to become more sustainable, we must do so ourselves,” said alderman Jeroen Hartsuiker.
The Labor Party agrees. “Where the community is asked to become more sustainable, our town hall is dramatically behind. We would also like to see more activity in town hall. Space is also being made available for social organizations. Don’t forget the start-ups, that can be a nice addition.” , says Yannick Olij.
“Municipality interests understand the need,” said Eisso Kronenburg of the party. “The chandelier in the council chamber is crying out for LED lights.” He did wonder why the city council only discussed this shortly after the budget meeting in November. He also suggested that it be postponed for a year.
Annemiek de Groot of Leefbaar Borger-Odoorn indicated that construction prices rose even faster then. Energy costs will also decrease if the town hall is made more sustainable. But more importantly: accessibility. “It is very narrow here. The public is so close to us, they can look into the files.”
The new council chamber will be closer to the public road and will be more accessible. “Now it is quite difficult to find where the council chamber is and that creates a barrier for visitors.”