Town hall Voorschoten

The “ town hall ” is outdated in many ways. Here are a few examples:

• It does not comply with occupational safety and health standards.
• It isn't sustainable enough. It currently has a G rating. Actually, a C rating is necessary.
• The layout is inefficient and not optimally accessible.
• The company's image does not help with recruiting and retaining staff in the tight labor market labour market.
• The council chamber is becoming too small for meetings with the public.

In late January, the “ executive board ” learned that the Zilverfabriek was up for sale. At that time, we were already working on plans for the renovation and new construction of the current “ town hall.” But the Zilverfabriek holds such historical significance for Voorschoten, and the opportunity to acquire it was so unique, that the municipality decided to enter into discussions after all. Moreover, everything the municipality has in mind fits right in: from service counters for residents and offices for civil servants to a council chamber with space for the press and the public. There’s also room to house two social organizations in the building.

The Zilverfabriek is a more suitable option for the following reasons, among others:

• Once renovation begins at the current location, the municipality will need to find temporary space for, among other things, a council chamber, civil affairs, the administration, and a workspace for approximately 200 civil servants. It is difficult to accommodate all of these functions in a temporary setting. If the municipality moves to the Zilverfabriek, that space will be immediately available.
• The Zilverfabriek also offers ample space for social organizations.
• The building is more accessible. There is also ample parking on the premises. This alleviates the parking pressure at the centre.

No, the owner didn't want to rent out the Zilverfabriek; he wanted to sell it.

The municipality has commissioned a preliminary soil survey. If it purchases the Zilverfabriek, it will receive a clean soil certification for use as a “ town hall.”

Regarding the function of the protected section of the current town hall —the so-called “mother house”— executive board would like to discuss the matter with the council and partners such as the library, so that it remains accessible to residents. Instead of the non-historic outbuildings, executive board is considering a new construction project.

In any case, the “ town hall ” must be located within the municipality itself. An easily accessible spot in or near the “ centre ” seems like the obvious choice. That way, no one has to travel far, and the “ town hall ” is easy to find. The benefits offered by the “Zilverfabriek” are so significant that we’ve decided to go with that location after all. The Zilverfabriek is only 1.2 kilometre away. Moreover, it is easily accessible on foot, by bike, by public transportation, or by car.

Yes, the 100th anniversary is such a special occasion that we’d love to celebrate it. Moreover, even if the council approves the proposal, it will still take at least another year and a half before the Zilverfabriek is converted into “ town hall .”

It is expected that this will no longer be possible because the building will then serve a different purpose.