During the First World War, this city suffered greatly, suffering almost total destruction. This building was constructed in 1921 at the initiative of the 'Davidsfonds' (Davids Foundation) and designed by architects Pil & Carbon as part of the reconstruction. The result is a significant example of so-called "historicizing reconstruction architecture," which harks back to traditional architectural styles such as Bruges Neo-Gothic and Neo-Flemish Renaissance. The building features, among other things, an impressive and beautifully elaborated stepped gable, whose structure recalls medieval hospital architecture.
The hall has served many purposes over the years. It wasn't just a theater, home to several theater groups, but also a rehearsal space for the brass band, a library, and even housed the local library at one point.
The building has been vacant for over 15 years and has been the subject of a long-standing legal dispute between the city council, which acquired the property as a gift, and the Flemish Government. The city council is concerned about the exorbitant costs of restoration and would prefer to demolish it. The Flemish Government is rightly and emphatically opposing this, due to the significant heritage value the theatre still holds.
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