Kortrijk – The Council for Permit Disputes paused the demolition of Kortrijk Railway Station (built in the 1950s), citing a lack of consideration for its historical value. Groups like the Flemish Association for Industrial Archaeology and many locals oppose demolition, favoring restoration.
The Kortrijk Railway Station won’t be demolished just yet. Flip Van Acker, chairman of the Council for Permit Disputes, decided that the city didn’t think enough about how important the old station was. They said the city focused too much on what a new station would bring and not enough on the old one. The city can’t demolish the station right now.
Will Kortrijk Railway Station be saved or demolished?
People who want to save the old Kortrijk Railway Station are happy. Hendrik Nelde from the Flemish Association for Industrial Archaeology said they are glad the station will not be demolished. This group and others have been working hard to keep the station from being demolished. They think the station is special because of its architecture and what it means to the city.
The Kortrijk Railway Station, built in the 1950s, is a special building that shows how Belgium was rebuilt after the war. It has a mix of old and new styles and includes art by famous artists. The train company and Infrabel want to demolish the station and build a new one with higher platforms.
Last year, the government permitted the demolition of the station, and the city council agreed. But many people in Kortrijk and groups that protect old buildings are against this plan. They say the station is a landmark and part of what makes Kortrijk special. They think the old station should be fixed up instead of being demolished. They want to keep the history of the station.
Groups that protect old buildings, like the Flemish Association for Industrial Archaeology, are trying to save the Kortrijk Railway Station. They got the station put on a list of the most endangered places in Europe.
Many people in Kortrijk don’t want the demolition of the station, so they signed petitions and wrote letters. Some groups also told the government that they didn’t think enough about how important the station is. They want the station to be fixed up, not demolished. Even though they are trying hard, the train company and the city still want to build a new station. The future of the old station is still unknown.
