Town Hall Facilities

The current city hall at Leidseweg 25 is severely outdated.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 city hall there.

The Silver Factory

The current city hall at Leidseweg 25 is severely outdated.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

Historical Significance

In late January, the municipal council 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 city 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 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 city hall will then open its doors after the summer of 2028. The city council is eager to discuss the future use of the current city hall—known as the “main building”—with the city council and partners such as the library. The city council sees opportunities for residential development on the site of the non-historic outbuildings behind the main building.

Impression

Planning

  1. Completion Date: June 2026

    City Council Decides to Purchase Zilverfabriek

  2. Still to do: September 2026

    Transfer of Ownership

  3. Still to do: November 2026

    Start of Renovation

  4. Still to do: After the summer of 2028

    Relocation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need a new city hall?

The town hall is outdated in many ways.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.
  • This image does not help with recruiting and retaining staff in a tight labor market.
  • The council chamber is becoming too small for meetings with the public.

How did the council come to this decision so unexpectedly?

In late January, the municipal council 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 city 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, it fits perfectly with everything the municipality has in mind: from service counters for residents and offices for civil servants to a council chamber with space for the press and the public. There is also room to house two community organizations in the building.

What makes the Zilverfabriek a better option 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 parking pressure in the city center.

Couldn't the municipality have rented the Zilverfabriek instead of buying it?

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

The Zilverfabriek was once an industrial site. Isn't the soil 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 municipal building.

What will happen to the current city hall?

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

Shouldn't the town hall be located in the center?

In any case, the town hall must be located within the municipality itself. An easily accessible location in or near the town center is the obvious choice. That way, no one has to travel far, and the town hall is easy to find. The advantages offered by the Zilverfabriek are so significant that we’ve decided to choose that location after all. The Zilverfabriek is only 1.2 kilometers away. Moreover, it’s 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 a city hall.

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

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

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