Town hall Voorschoten

Last modified on: June 5, 2026

The current “ town hall ” at Leidseweg 25 is severely outdated. At its meeting on June 4, the council decided that the municipality may purchase the Zilverfabriek to establish the new “ town hall ” there.

The Silver Factory

The current “ town hall ” at Leidseweg 25 is severely outdated. Accessibility is far from optimal for the building’s users and visitors. The current building also falls short in terms of sustainability and working conditions.

Historical Significance

In late January, the “ executive board ” learned that the Zilverfabriek was up for sale. At that time, the municipality was already working on plans for the renovation and new construction of the current “ town hall.” However, the Zilverfabriek holds such historical significance for Voorschoten, and the opportunity to acquire it was so unique, that the municipality decided to enter into negotiations after all. Now that the council gave its approval on June 4, the municipality can finalize the purchase.

Opening after the summer of 2028

Preparations for the necessary renovation will begin shortly. The new town hall will then open its doors after the summer of 2028. Regarding the future use of the current town hall —the so-called “main building”—the executive board is eager to discuss this with the municipal council and partners such as the library. On the site of the non-historic outbuildings behind the main building, the executive board sees opportunities for residential development.

Impression

Planning

  1. Completed: June 2026

    City Council Decides to Purchase Zilverfabriek

  2. To be done: September 2026

    Transfer of Ownership

  3. To do: November 2026

    Start of Renovation

  4. To do: After the summer of 2028

    Relocation

Frequently asked questions

Why is a new town hall needed?

The “ town hall ” is outdated in many ways.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.

How did this decision come about so unexpectedly executive board ?

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.

What makes the Silver Factory better than the current location?

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.

Could the municipality not rent the Silver Factory instead of buying it?

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

The Silver Factory was once a factory site. Is the soil not contaminated then?

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.”

What will happen to the current 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.

Shouldn't the " town hall " be in the " centre "?

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.

This year, the municipality is organizing the photo exhibition '100 Years of Moederhuis'. Will the celebration of that anniversary still take place?

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 .”

Will residents still be able to get married in the current council chamber after the relocation?

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

Latest news

More news