More than 9,000 donors have contributed over 1 million euro in less than two weeks to restore the fire-damaged town hall in Limoges, nos.nl reported. The historic building suffered extensive damage during nationwide unrest, prompting a massive public fundraising campaign to support its eventual rebuilding.
Brand en verwoesting in limoges
The structure, dating back to the late nineteenth century and listed as a historical monument since 1975, held deep regional significance. During the Second World War, the town hall served as a refuge for exiled Belgian parliamentarians after Belgium fell to Nazi Germany. Police have since arrested suspects in connection with the arson, including a 34-year-old individual known to security services for ties to leftist extremist circles, according to media reports.
Fondation du patrimoine zamelt miljoen euro in
The independent heritage organization Fondation du patrimoine launched the crowdfunding drive to help cover repair costs. While initial reports from nos.nl noted over 9,000 donors crossing the 1 million euro mark, the contributions have come from more than 9,800 donors. The organization aims to raise a total of 2 million euro through public and private donations. To encourage contributions, the French parliament approved a budget amendment offering a 75 percent tax deduction on donations up to 1,000 euro for the reconstruction effort.
Herstelwerkzaamheden en kosten
The exact price tag for the full reconstruction remains unknown, though Sébastien Lecornu promised during a visit to Limoges that the state will cover costs alongside public and private funds. The French government also expanded the building’s historical monument status to qualify the project for additional subsidies. Regional heritage services have begun securing the surviving sections of the structure. According to the Ministry of Culture, temporary roofing will be installed early next year, while actual restoration work is slated to begin in 2028 and finish between 2030 and 2031.
Vragen over de wederopbouw
Wanneer start de definitieve restauratie van het stadhuis?
De daadwerkelijke herstelwerkzaamheden staan gepland om te beginnen in 2028, nadat eerdere beschermende maatregelen en tijdelijke overkappingen zijn geplaatst.
Hoeveel geld wil de erfgoedstichting ophalen?
De Fondation du patrimoine heeft als doel om minstens 2 miljoen euro aan donaties binnen te halen voor het herboren historische gebouw.
Wie is er opgepakt voor de brandstichting?
De politie heeft twee verdachten aangehouden voor de brand in het stadhuis. Eén van hen is een 34-jarige man die bij de autoriteiten bekendstond vanwege banden met extreemlinks.