The demolition work on the Oosterkerk and the outbuildings is in full swing. The bells of the church building have been silent for some time, but since this week they can no longer be rung. They were removed from the tower on Thursday with a crane and grinder.
The Oosterkerk in the Wolfsbos district was built in 1971. More than fifty years later, dwindling membership and reduced income are the reasons for the church board to sell the church on Leeuweriklaan. Initially it was one of the outbuildings and the church was reduced in size, but it was gradually decided to dispose of the entire church.
Both the outbuildings and the church itself are being demolished to make room for new homes. A residential care facility for people with dementia is being built on the southern part of the site by Koenen Bouw from Emmen.
House construction plans not yet ready
The same company has also purchased the church building and will redevelop the area for housing. Owner Ronald Jeuring of Koenen Bouw cannot yet say what that plan will look like. It is still too early for that. “The plans are still being worked out. We are still in consultation with the municipality about this.”
The residential care complex for people with dementia (a new branch of Het Gastenhuis) is being built on behalf of healthcare organization Amvest. This building will have two floors with 19 apartments for people with dementia. “We want to start building Het Gastenhuis towards the summer.”
Soul from the church
The demolition work is being followed by many local residents. This is also the case with Anne Kuipers, who always churched there. He takes photos and video recordings there several times a week. Also on Thursday, when the bells were removed with an aerial platform and grinder. “The fact that the clock is being removed means something to me. It’s as if the soul is being taken out of the building.”