MAREPOST, vol. 31 (2001), nr. 3.
The Wall Remains Are Being Well Taken Care Of
by Jaap Moggre [Translated from Dutch]Since a few weeks, boxing has been carpentered on the flanks of the wall remains of the Vrouwekerk. Questions put to the town's Construction and Residence Service provided the answer that this has been done out of safety considerations. Children climb on the wall from time to time. Because the bricks of the authentic part are laid with lime mortar, they are easy to pull loose. Not too long ago some bricks were thrown down. Because a lot of people were expected, particularly during the celebrations on the Queen's Birthday, it was decided to construct the boxing. It is a provisional measure and a better and more attractive solution is being worked on. What is clear is that the city at this moment has no plans to demolish the monument, even though they have a permit to do so. A new plan for the plaza is being studied, and it is not impossible that the wall remains or a part of them will be included in the new situation after all.
Comments by Jeremy Bangs:
The foregoing article points out that protective measures have been taken (since the end of April) to ensure that the original walls of the Vrouwekerk are not vandalized. No statement was issued at that time, but the intention not to demolish the remains is clear from the care to prevent its destruction. Since that time, the town has again brought in a number of flower boxes that give an attractive, pretty touch to the historic monument. In the meantime, the city has appointed a project leader to coordinate the activities of planning and realization for developing the monument and the square into something that respects the historic site and improves its setting, while also improving access to Museum Boerhaave, which overlooks the Vrouwekerk Plaza. A team urban of landscape architects has been developing variants.