The council has designated a new municipal monument: the reclamation barn and associated yard at Von Draisweg 15 in Almere City. There are good reasons for this: the barn has great cultural-historical value. Research has shown that the barn is important because of its location and its relationship with the environment. Residents and users have contributed to the understanding of the barns significance for Almere.
Short history
In May 1968, Southern Flevoland was drained and the difficult task of preparing the clay soil for construction and agricultural land could begin. During these early years, the Rijksdienst van de IJsselmeerpolders (RIJP) built large barns in strategic locations in the then-empty polder to store harvests and house work vehicles and materials. From the beginning, the intention was to give these barns a useful purpose in the future as well. Even now, the barn is very appropriately used by the Foundation for the Preservation of Old Techniques (BOT).
Historical anchors
Councilor of culture and heritage Kees Ahles: “I am very enthusiastic about our sixth municipal monument. By definition, it is good that heritage is visible, tangible, and experienceable for all Almere residents. Inhabitants of a young city like Almere also need historical anchors to shape their identity. This reclamation barn is a symbol of the pioneering era of Almere. As far as Im concerned, there could be 30 municipal monuments.”
Residents contribute
In November 2023, the municipality conducted a survey among residents and users regarding the value of the reclamation barn. Of the participants in this survey, 85% indicated that this barn represents a landmark for the surrounding area. A large percentage, namely 93% of respondents, find the reclamation barn of special significance for Almere. For 89% of respondents, the barn radiates a certain spirit of the times, and 72% indicate that the barn evokes memories. 81% agree that the former reclamation barn of the RIJP has a valuable design. More than half of the respondents believe that the barn and its current users are inextricably linked.
Heritage in Almere
As a relatively young city, Almere cherishes its cultural heritage. It has previously been agreed that the municipality will take the initiative to inventory, assess, and protect objects, areas, and landscapes characteristic of Almere and its residents. This can be done by granting the status of municipal monument (protected) as has now happened with the reclamation barn on the advice of the Almere Environmental Quality Advisory Committee. This barn is one of the last reclamation barns in the Flevopolder and has recently been provided with a new roof. The photos were taken before the new roof was installed. The barn can therefore continue as a municipal monument for years to come.
