Along Noordlaan stands the impressive Kazerne (casemated barracks). A building with a rich history, but also with a contemporary function. Both the Giants and the Ros Beiaard await their next glorious moment here! The building itself is not accessible to visitors.
After more than 10 years of research and planning, the Kazerne is finally receiving a sustainable and profitable new purpose. The city of Dendermonde and the Flemish investment company PMV are fully committed to preserving this iconic military heritage site. We are transforming the crown jewel of the fortress belt into a vibrant location where people work, live, and come together.
History
After Dendermonde became part of the Wellington Barrier, plans were developed for the construction of a bomb-proof infantry barracks. Construction took place between 1828 and 1830. The complex consisted of two floors, each containing fourteen halls. Twelve of these halls were designed to accommodate 39 soldiers each. The site also included quarters for non-commissioned officers, a bakery, a flour storage facility, and a police post with an adjoining military prison.
The building was surrounded by a wide moat, which was vaulted over during the last quarter of the 19th century. New buildings were then constructed on top of this covering, gradually surrounding the central building. These new structures housed, among other things, storage facilities for the artillery and the engineering corps.
Photo Canvases
In 2020, the Kazerne was literally given a new look with 13 large photo canvases referring to the Dendermonde Ommegangen.
Together, they form a large open-air exhibition showcasing the remarkable heritage that Dendermonde has to offer. The location, the Kazerne, was chosen deliberately, as the Kazerneitself is also an important historical heritage site. At both the eastern and western ends of the building, two large canvases display an overview of the thirteen photographs. At the main gate, visitors can read the full text of the Ros Beiaard song.
Future
After more than 10 years of research and planning, the Kazerne is finally receiving a sustainable and profitable new purpose. The city of Dendermonde and the Flemish investment company PMV are fully committed to preserving this iconic military heritage site. We are transforming the crown jewel of the fortress belt into a vibrant location where people work, live, and come together.
The project envisions a multifunctional site including, among other things, a local service centre, a city quarter, an experience centre dedicated to the Ros Beiaard, and various commercial activities. In this way, this part of Dendermonde’s history gains renewed meaning for the future, with the ultimate goal of creating an attractive new urban district. We are restoring the southern façade with its gallery, tubes, and shortened tubes according to the historical model, while also constructing a new building.
