Galmaarden – St. Peter’s Church in Galmaarden, which was devastated by a fire caused by a stray firework in 2009, is set to be rebuilt with €11 million in funding. The project’s cost has risen to over €9 million, incorporating sustainable features and a tower expected to open in 2025, reports 24brussels.
Located in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, the reconstruction marks 16 years since the church was damaged. The renovated interior will serve as a library and a market hall, adaptable for concerts and events.
The exterior will be transformed as well, with the removal of the old cemetery and parking area to make way for a “church garden,” designed as a green space for markets and local gatherings. The new tower will feature four openings leading to a viewing platform.
Details on the Renovation of St. Peter’s Church
The estimated cost for renovating St. Peter’s Church has exceeded €9 million, which is approximately €3 million higher than initially budgeted, primarily due to rising material and labor costs. The municipality has acknowledged that this increase was anticipated and accounted for in the revised budget.
Incorporating modern sustainable features, the renovation will install heat pumps and solar panels, which, despite increasing overall costs, are aimed at ensuring long-term savings and reducing ecological impact.
The construction of the new tower is ongoing, with the installation of the spire scheduled in the next two weeks after completing necessary groundwork such as concrete pouring. The renovation is projected to be completed by early next year.
Originally built in the 13th century, St. Peter’s Church was expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries, rendering it a late Gothic monument that has historically served as a focal point for worshippers and residents alike. The church’s tower has been a recognized landmark in Pajottegem.
Despite surviving various wars and minor incidents, the church was severely damaged on January 1, 2009, when a stray firework ignited a fire that compromised much of the structure. The long-awaited restoration was made possible by an €11 million subsidy approved by former Minister of Heritage Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) in 2024.
“We want to make the church a tourist attraction, and the tower plays an important role in that,”
said Alderman for Immovable Heritage Ludo Persoons (CD&V), who was instrumental in initiating the renovation project during his tenure as the mayor of Galmaarden.
