Save our station: Kortrijk’s protest collects signatures
The protest took place with a banner in front of the facade of the station building, which is still standing for the time being. Opponents of plans to demolish the old station asked passers-by to join their cause by signing objection letters. A small orchestra also paid tribute to the station on the steps in front of the entrance. The permit to replace the old station building with a new one has already been applied for. There is a public inquiry that ends on September 15.
Endangered heritage site
Sympathizers point to the unique post-war architecture of the building and its historical value as a remnant of the city’s resurrection after bombings in the Second World War. The station opened in 1956. A petition previously collected 3,000 signatures to reverse the demolition. Europa Nostra and the European Banking Institute labeled Kortrijk station as one of the seven most endangered European heritage sites in 2023.
“This must be preserved”
Municipal councilor Monique Gheyssens signed the objections. As a member of Team Mayor, she goes against the line of her coalition. “I am 74 years old and no one will order me around anymore,” she explains. “I don’t believe in parties, but I do believe in people. My colleagues from Team Mayor also remain good friends, but this must be preserved,” she says about the station.
Normally, the works for a completely new station and associated station environment will start in the autumn of 2025. They will last ten years and cost a total of ninety million euros. Road works are currently underway around the station.