The Church of Saint Anne in Bottelare is a monumental structure, almost a “cathedral” within the Land van Rode and stands as a silent witness to the many Saint Anne pilgrimages that have taken place here over the centuries. To safeguard this valuable heritage for future generations, a sustainable restoration campaign is being launched.
The first phase focuses on the tower, the most vulnerable and least accessible part of the building. The tower had fallen into a state of disrepair: vegetation was growing on the cornices, the roof showed several issues, the tower clock was worn out, the dormers were deteriorated and early damage had appeared in the brickwork and natural stone. With the available resources, it was therefore decided to tackle the tower as a priority.
Within this phase, the emphasis is on a sustainable and targeted approach, focusing on waterproofing the tower and resolving structural problems. The available resources are used as efficiently as possible, with conservation as the starting point and restoration where this is technically and financially feasible.
By fully scaffolding the tower, all necessary interventions can be carried out in a single coordinated effort. This integrated approach ensures the optimal use of the scaffolding and results in a long-term, sustainable investment.
