“Thunderbolt from the clear sky”: unrest in service flats that are being demolished
They were informed of the plans yesterday. They now have to look for another place to live. The care group does promise to help them.
“Very Emotional”
“A bolt from the blue, for everyone. And very emotional. There were several people who cried.”
The news of the closure and demolition hit the residents particularly hard. Ter Remberthoven goes flat from the middle of ’25.
Marijke Snauwaert, daughter of a resident: “People are all resigned, some people are panicking and I really think that there will be people who will not survive a move.”
Marijke’s mother is 87 and lives in one of the assisted living apartments. She now has a year and a half to look for a solution, just like Marcel, who has only lived there for a year.
Marcel Vereecke: “So I painted and bought new furniture. I invested a little because it was for the rest of my life, of course. But apparently not.”
Management promises help
The management promises to help find a new home for the 27 residents. There has been a recording stop since the beginning of this year.
Stephanie Deprez, general manager of care group Houtland: “There are various options. We have the expertise within our non-profit organization Zorggroep Houtland on the campus of Koekelare where we have a residential care center. We have our social contacts, our social map is very large. we use it for our residents.”
Marijke Snauwaert, daughter of a resident: “People will have to take what is proposed. Koekelare, Beerst, Leke. Completely outside the world of people. All the people hang together here and they will all be split up. One to here , the other to there…”
Marcel Vereecke: “I’m from Torhout, I’ve lived in Torhout all my life, and I’m staying in Torhout. What are the options for you? Certainly not a service flat, because there are none available anymore, the list at the OCMW is huge long. There is nothing available anymore. So look for an apartment somewhere.”
The old building is in need of replacement. A new residential care complex will be built by 2028.