Preservation of Nooit Gedacht one step closer

The preservation of the former steam-powered sawmill Nooit Gedacht in Nieuwe Pekela (shown here in an archive photo) is one step closer.

A study will be conducted to determine how the national monument can be restored and whether a new purpose can be found for the associated site. The ambition is to renovate the steam-powered sawmill and restore the so-called beam pond. Additionally, a housing development plan is in preparation for the sawmill site.

The Pekela municipality is playing a mediating role in bringing parties together and developing a vision for the area.

The first step is to make the sawmill wind- and watertight to prevent further decay. Furthermore, trees and shrubs that have overgrown the building will be removed. Work is expected to begin this week.

The Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency and the Province of Groningen have made grants available for the redevelopment study and the works. The redevelopment study will jointly explore potential new users or uses for the buildings. The study will be carried out by the Roemte Foundation during the spring and summer. The surrounding area will also be involved in this research.

The steam-powered sawmill and planing mill Nooit Gedacht, located at J.R. Stuutstraat in Nieuwe Pekela, was built around 1875. The sawmill closed in the early 1990s, after which the complex fell into disrepair. Of the original complex, the sawmill and the boiler house with the steam engine and chimney have been preserved.