Liermolen

Future

Together with the MOT, the municipality of Grimbergen is working on the restoration and tourist development of the Liermolen. We successfully submitted a file for the revival call 'Heritage and Tourism' for tourist development and repurposing of heritage sites. Flanders has reserved a budget of more than half a million euros for this project. With this support, the entire mill site can be thoroughly tackled.

The last architectural interventions date from 1977 and are visibly outdated. Urgent problems such as leaking roofs and lack of rainwater drainage are being addressed. There is a need for more comfort and accessibility. We integrate sustainable interventions in waste and rainwater processing, thermal insulation, energy savings, etc. 

Architects ARCH & TECO drew up the plans in close consultation with the municipality, the MOT and the Real Estate Agency. The heritage values are carefully preserved, restored and enhanced. Some buildings are being given a new purpose.

Miller's house becomes unique heritage accommodation

The former miller's house is being expertly restored and given a new tourist purpose as heritage accommodation. Separate utilities are installed and interventions are made for comfort and fire safety. When furnishing the holiday home, we focus on the life and work of the last miller. The existing heritage elements will be preserved as much as possible.

Tourist reception

The barn is being thoroughly restored while retaining the historic division of threshing floor and the storage area. Inside, stacked “boxes” will form a new exhibition space. Only the boxes are closed so that the barn retains its open character. Public activities can take place on the open threshing floor, such as workshops, study days, performances and events. This layout is a sustainable solution for having to heat less space. New, accessible sanitary facilities will be provided in the side wing of the barn. The arches at the current entrance will be closed with glass and equipped as a tourist reception and information point for the Maalbeek Valley.

 Accessible yard and café terrace

The café, where the cowshed once was, is being thoroughly renovated, better equipped and made more accessible according to contemporary standards of safety, comfort and accessibility. The café terrace will be redesigned to create more flexible seating. After the restoration, a new concessionaire will be appointed.

The attic above the former pig stables will be converted into a hiker's hut. The Liermolen is located on a GR path and on the route to Compostella and is part of the Brabantse Kouters walking network and the Green Belt cycle route. We offer a new, original place to sleep for pilgrims and backpackers in one of the most beautiful places of Grimbergen.

The yard is the connecting factor between all buildings. It will be redeveloped with respect for the historical layout. The level differences are eliminated to ensure safe access and better circulation for visitors, walkers and cyclists. New plantings provide more greenery and rainwater is collected and reused. From the yard you can enter the barn through the large gate. The reception will also have direct access to the yard. This will be a connecting place that invites visitors and passers-by to pause and relax.