Douaneloods

Impressive heritage

The station of Essen used to have an important function as a border checkpoint with the Netherlands. Commodities and cattle were inspected at various places, including the shed that was built near the station at the beginning of the twentieth century. Trains entered the 2,000-m² shed and transhipment took place via the railway platforms. This magnificent building in Flemish neo-Renaissance style has been property of the Autonoom Gemeentebedrijf (an independent municipal corporation) of the city of Essen since 2010. Management wants to restore the shed, which is a protected monument, and give it a new function.

The role of Kempens Landschap

Since 2013, Kempens Landschap has guided the AGB in the restoration of the building and the search for an appropriate function.