News item | 26-09-2023 | 12:25
State Secretary Uslu (Culture and Media) has made 10 million euros available for the restoration of the Artis aquarium. The Bovenkerk in Kampen will receive 1.2 million euros as a one-off contribution to necessary maintenance. In addition, the Polder Tower in Emmeloord, Fort Sabina and the boat shed in Willemstad (North Brabant) will receive 1.1 and 1.9 million euros respectively for necessary maintenance. The money comes from the extra budget of 15 million euros that State Secretary Uslu has made available to support the restoration of major monuments.
State Secretary Uslu: “It is nice that we can help the Artis aquarium, the Bovenkerk, the Poldertoren and Fort Sabina in this way. These are special monuments that we want to preserve for this and future generations. At the same time, I am very aware that this certainly does not solve all the problems that arise with these types of major restorations. Together with provinces and municipalities, we will look at what is needed and what is possible.”
The national government and provinces are jointly responsible for financing the restoration of major monuments. Despite the resources available for this annually, a number of iconic buildings, such as the Artis aquarium, came under such pressure that extra money was needed. The central government has therefore made a one-off 15 million euros available in 2023. Municipalities and provinces double that amount.
After the award, an amount of approximately 750,000 euros remains. That money goes to the Restoration Fund+ mortgage, which also supports restorations of large projects.
Solutions for the future
The amount of 15 million euros available for these four monuments is a start. In June, the State Secretary already indicated that a solution must be found for structural shortages in extensive, complex restorations of large monuments. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science will enter into discussions with municipalities and provinces to determine what is needed and how each party can contribute based on its own responsibility and possibilities.