Residents of Gouda and other interested parties will have one last chance to admire the town hall in its original state. This will take place on Thursday, August 28. Volunteers from the historical association Die Goude and members of the project team will then lead the public in groups on a tour of the monument on the Markt. After August 28, the town hall will close for two years. It will then undergo extensive renovation, be made more sustainable, and be adapted for the future.
The guided tours on Thursday, August 28, are free of charge. Due to the expected high turnout, tours will be conducted in groups. Interested visitors are welcome to gather at the front of the steps (near the main entrance). Tours will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; the last opportunity to enter is at 1:45 p.m.
Following the public tours, a private gathering for the media and invited guests will take place in the afternoon. At that time, Provincial Executive Member Meindert Stolk of the Province of South Holland will announce the amount of the subsidy the province is contributing to the renovation of City Hall. To that end, he will symbolically present a check to Alderman Thierry van Vugt, who oversees Real Estate, Heritage, and the City Center, among other areas. The key to the city hall will also be handed over by key custodian Gilbert Vandenakker to Toon Weijters, chief contractor of the construction firm Nico de Bont bv.
: A Distinctive LandmarkThe town hall on the Markt is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings—and a culturally and historically significant monument in the Netherlands. Built in the Gothic style, it stands in the heart of Gouda as a distinctive landmark. It was built between 1448 and 1450 during a period of growing prosperity in Gouda, thanks to trade and industry (especially candles and pipes). It is the city’s building, and everyone should feel welcome there to meet one another, share ideas, and celebrate special moments. To make that possible, the municipality is preparing the city hall for the future. It is doing so by making it more sustainable, energy-efficient, and accessible to everyone.
Nico de Bont Construction Company, LLC will be carrying out this massive project. The company was founded in 1960 in Nieuwkuijk by Nico de Bont and his five sons. It specializes in the restoration, repurposing, and sustainability upgrades of large and small historic buildings. Nico de Bont already has numerous high-profile projects to its credit, such as the restoration of the Dom Tower in Utrecht, the fortifications in Gorinchem, the Royal Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, and the city hall in Den Bosch. The construction company emerged as the winning bidder in the Gouda tender process.
Work to begin in late August
Nico de Bont bv will begin work in late August. During the project, residents and visitors will be able to follow and experience the work in various ways.
There is no doubt that the renovation will have an impact on the surrounding area—but the municipality is working to minimize that impact as much as possible while ensuring the safety of local residents, business owners, visitors, and construction workers. The municipality places great importance on effective communication. Local residents, business owners, and visitors are actively kept informed through information sessions, newsletters, signs, and this project website.
