Headline:
Basiliek in Oudenbosch In Gevaar: Urbanisme Blijft, maar Basiliek Missen Geld
Byline:
Erik Peeters
Lead Paragraph:
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Article:
Oudenbosch’s basiliek, a scaled-down replica of Rome’s St. Peter’s, has fallen on hard times. Leaks and wood rot have left the village’s pride and joy in shambles. As the village spruces up its surroundings with a new urban plan, the basiliek’s future hangs in the balance.
Oudenbosch’s mayor, Bernd Roks, has sounded the alarm. "We need help to save the basiliek," he urges. "Oudenbosch may be proud of its basiliek, but the number of parishioners is decreasing, and the town’s size cannot support such a grand monument alone."
The basiliek needs €1.9 million for necessary repairs. The ‘Stichting Behoud Basiliek’ and the parish will cover €1.3 million, leaving €600,000 to be raised from the region and the Oudenbossche community. The foundation has also asked the province for an additional €400,000.
However, Roks has had little luck securing subsidies. Earlier this year, he sent a plea to the relevant state secretary, who acknowledged the problem but referred Roks to the province. Even after repeated requests, the province has not provided any funding.
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Basiliek in Oudenbosch Needs Urgent Repairs, But Funds Are Low
The foundation is now exploring new revenue streams. It has hosted concerts by artists like Trijntje Oosterhuis and Dana Winner, and plans to utilize the basiliek’s concert hall more frequently. Additionally, the foundation is considering renting out the space beneath the basiliek to businesses. The current owner, the parish, may eventually lease the building, should that prove more feasible in the future.
In an effort to generate more income, Roks is also considering charging visitors to the basiliek. "If we charge €1 per person, with the current 100,000 annual visitors, we’ll have an additional €100,000 to add to our budget," he explains.
Meanwhile, despite the basiliek’s condition, the municipality of Halderberge has begun constructing a new large square around it, set to be completed by 2025. The project aims to attract more tourists to Oudenbosch, which will be celebrating its 750th anniversary. However, Roks questions whether the municipality will still be able to go ahead with this plan if the basiliek’s condition continues to deteriorate.
Roks remains hopeful, citing regular coffee meetings with provincial officials and deputies. "Our message is finally getting through. I have a good feeling that the province will finally approve the subsidy this time," he says. "If we can secure the remaining €2.6 million together with the other contributors, we can turn the tide."
