Bocholtz embraces Roman past
Author: Viastory
Photography:
The villas in the Roman valley of the village had already proven it: the Romans felt at home in Bocholtz. Everyone should know that, says Roger Scheren, spatial policy adviser at the municipality of Simpelveld. During the refurbishment of the village centre, the Roman history of Bocholtz will therefore receive explicit attention.
The centre of Bocholtz is going to be redesigned. Where parking spaces currently dominate the view in Wilhelminastraat, greenery and terraces will soon appear. “In the execution, we will be using a lot of Kunrader stone,” says Scheren. “There will be corten steel artworks and a Roman spear, like we also use in other places to refer to the Roman past. And in front of the old town hall we will place a Via Belgica bench.”
The former town hall will be restored to its original splendour. The entrance staircase will return to its former appearance, and a new little tower will once again crown the roof, just as it used to. The adjacent streets will also be included in the plans. “We are creating a loop around the church,” laughs Scheren. “It must become a lively place where people enjoy spending time.”
It must become a lively place where people enjoy spending time.— Roger Scheren
Rainwater
A small water channel running through the centre (similar to the one in the photo beside this text) is a nod to Roman water systems. To ensure that the channel is supplied, the plans cleverly connect with another development: the disconnection of residential areas from the rainwater sewer system. The municipality gained experience with this in the Simpelveld Huls district. This knowledge will soon be applied in the Bocholtz hamlet of Vlengendaal.
“It is a waste to let rainwater disappear through the sewer system,” Scheren explains. Therefore, the municipality increasingly opts for a system in which rainwater is collected in basins. From basins in Vlengendaal, the water will soon run through the small channel in Wilhelminastraat, reminding residents and visitors of times long gone.
Hotspot
A Roman column with a matching vase, designed by Tanja Ritterbex, originally from Bocholtz, will soon fulfil the same function from the overpass on Bocholtzerweg. The column will become a landmark that can be seen from afar and will point motorists to the long history of the village. Hopefully, it will entice them to get out of the car and sit down on a terrace. Or take the bicycle, because the Kalkbaan runs right through the village centre.
Anyone already feeling like having a beer on the terrace will have to be patient for a little while. At the moment, the municipality is completing the specifications and the tendering procedure. “A plan like this requires stamina,” admits Scheren. “That can be frustrating, because residents do not see anything happening.” With a bit of luck, all that waiting will soon be rewarded. Scheren, laughing: “As far as we are concerned, it will become a hotspot!”
As far as we are concerned, it will become a hotspot!— Roger Scheren
