Kortrijk station at 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe

Europa Nostra, the European voice of civil society committed to cultural and natural heritage, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute today announced the seven most endangered sites in Europe for 2023.

“In this way, we want to send a message of hope, solidarity and support to the local communities and activists determined to save the sites. Together with our partners (European and local), we will provide technical expertise, identify potential funding sources and mobilize a broad network to support their cause and their efforts,” said Guy Clausse of Europa Nostra.

Exceptional heritage interest

Striking: Kortrijk station is also on the list. The reason is the impending demolition for the development of a new station, announced in 2015. Local citizens and organizations have already campaigned against the demolition through petitions.

The nomination was submitted by the Flemish Association for Industrial Archeology (VVIA). “We want to draw attention to the threat to railway and transport heritage, the recognition and protection of recent and post-war heritage,” said Hendrik Nelde.

The selection was made on the basis of the exceptional heritage importance and cultural value of each of the sites, and the grave danger they face today.

Kortrijk history

A first station was built in 1839, following the European trend of neoclassicism. As a communication center, the building in Kortrijk gradually housed other public services, such as a telegraph office in 1851 and a post office between 1850 and 1905.

Kortrijk became an important railway junction on the road to France and was therefore heavily bombed in 1944 after the invasion of Normandy. More than 1,800 buildings, including the station, were destroyed.

A new station was built in 1951 to a design by the Kortrijk architect Pierre Albert Pauwels, one of the most important figures in Belgian contemporary architecture. The renovation of the station followed the style of Expo 58, a “discussion” between neoclassical and contemporary elements.

Subsidy

Partisan Cemetery in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tchakvinji Fortress in Georgia, Sisters House Ensemble in Germany, Memento Park in Hungary, Sveti Stefan Cultural Landscape in Montenegro and Bistrica Water Mills in Serbia complete the list.

The seven selected sites are eligible for a heritage grant of €10,000 to help implement an agreed activity.