Historic Nooit Gedacht sawmill in Nieuwe Pekela set for restoration and new life
Residents of Nieuwe Pekela can look forward to the revival of the historic Nooit Gedacht steam-powered sawmill. A study is underway to restore the national monument and explore new uses for the site, including potential housing development. Work to protect the sawmill from further decay begins this week.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | J.R. Stuutstraat, Nieuwe Pekela, Groningen |
| Built | Around 1875 |
| Closed | Early 1990s |
| Current Status | National monument in disrepair |
| Immediate Actions | Make sawmill wind- and watertight, remove overgrowth |
| Study Period | Spring and summer 2026 |
| Funding Bodies | Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency, Province of Groningen |
| Study Conducted By | Roemte Foundation |
| Future Plans | Restoration of sawmill and beam pond, potential housing development |
| Mediating Body | Pekela Municipality |
The Pekela Municipality is facilitating collaboration between stakeholders to develop a sustainable vision for the Nooit Gedacht site. The Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency and the Province of Groningen play key roles in funding and overseeing heritage preservation projects like this one.
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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.