Tag: cultural heritage

Historic railway station Vught to be relocated 13 metres

Posted on by Stephanie Bekker

This autumn, Bresser will relocate the historic station in the Dutch village Vught 13.6 metres towards the town centre using a specially engineered sliding system. The station’s historic cellar will move along with the building. The relocation is necessary to make way for the sunken railway alignment being constructed in the village. By preserving and relocating the station building, this important landmark will remain a recognisable feature within the new station area.

The historic station building in Vught has stood on this site for more than 150 years and has witnessed a remarkable history. The location will soon accommodate the new platforms of Vught railway station. Relocating the building preserves an important piece of Dutch railway heritage while creating space for the construction of the new station.

Millimetre by millimetre

Months of preparation are required before a building relocation of this scale can take place. Every project begins with extensive investigations and a carefully developed execution plan. For this relocation, Bresser conducted detailed assessments of the station building, its historic cellar structures, and the bearing capacity of the subsoil.

Based on these findings, comprehensive engineering calculations and a relocation strategy were developed. On the day of the move, the station building will be transferred step by step to its new location using a specially designed transport structure, sliding tracks and hydraulic jacking systems.

The new station will offer all the facilities expected of a modern transport hub, including bicycle parking, lifts and spacious platforms. New platform canopies and the timber canopy above the stairways will feature glass elements. The platforms themselves will be situated below ground level. The new station square will provide space for greenery, meeting areas, and a pedestrian and cycling connection between East and West Vught. By retaining the historic station building, the station will continue to be a familiar and recognisable place within the community.

See history in motion

The relocation is currently scheduled for late October. The exact date will only be confirmed shortly beforehand, as the operation depends on several factors, including weather conditions. The relocation is a unique event, and members of the public will be welcome to watch from designated viewing areas. Further information about the date, timings and accessibility will be announced through the project website and other communication channels.

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280-ton grain mill in Waardenburg raised 80 cm

Posted on by Stephanie Bekker

The nearly 250-year-old grain mill in the Dutch village of Waardenburg, weighing approximately 280 tonnes, has reached its highest position ever. Using 12 hydraulic jacks, Bresser carefully lifted this unique heritage structure step by step.

Video credits: Waterschap Rivierenland

At a rate of approximately 10 centimetres per hour, we raised the mill over the course of two days to a temporary height of 90 centimetres above its original position. In the coming days, the supporting structure will be completed. The mill will then be lowered by 10 centimetres to its final elevation, leaving it permanently 80 centimetres higher than before.

Why was the mill raised?

As part of the Tiel-Waardenburg dike reinforcement project, the flood defence has been raised. Without intervention, the mill would capture less wind, affecting its operation. By permanently elevating the monument by 80 centimetres, the wind environment around the mill is preserved, ensuring that the mill can continue to operate in the future.

The two-day jacking operation followed an extensive period of preparation and engineering. During the project, it became apparent that the existing foundation differed from the original drawings. As a result, the mill was provided with a new foundation supported by 18 screw injection piles.

And for those wondering why the mill still appears slightly tilted: this was a deliberate decision. The mill’s characteristic lean has been carefully preserved as part of its historic character.

Sustainability was also an important consideration. Our jacking control system and hydraulic installation were powered by energy packs, enabling us to work with low emissions and minimal noise.

More than engineering

For us, this project is a perfect example of how engineering expertise, heritage preservation and flood protection can come together in a single solution. We are proud to contribute to making this iconic piece of Dutch heritage fit for the future.

We would like to thank all project partners for their trust and excellent cooperation: Waterschap Rivierenland, Bouwcombinatie Mekante Diek (Ploegam, Van Oord and Ballast Nedam), Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen, Techniek en Methode, adviesbureau voor uitvoeringstechnieken en erfgoedvraagstukken, Jan-Willem Oome, DST, Hadek, SIN, Molenbouwer Berkhof and Bekker Communicatie (Stephanie Bekker).

📸 Photo credits: Cees van der Wal Fotografie

Mooi Gelderland september 2026

Monumental ‘borg’ is made earthquake-proof

Posted on by bresser

Bresser has contribuited to the future-proofing of the beautiful historic house Borg Rusthoven in Wirdum, Groningen. This important piece of Dutch cultural heritage is being upgraded using advanced base isolation technology.

By applying this earthquake-resistant foundation system, the borg will be protected against seismic activity in the future, ensuring the preservation of this unique heritage site.

The regional newspaper ‘Dagblad van het Noorden’ published an insightful article about this special project, highlighting the importance of safeguarding historic buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

Medieval tomb in Turkey relocated

Posted on by Sander

In southeastern Turkey, a medieval monument has been successfully relocated over two kilometers. The 550-year-old tomb in Hasankeyf was in danger of being lost due to the construction of a dam.

To preserve this important cultural heritage, the monument was moved in its entirety over a distance of two kilometers to a new location 65 meters higher. This impressive relocation ensures that the historic structure will be preserved for future generations.

Schok therapy in Groningen (NL): historic rectory made earthquake-resistant

Posted on by Sander

Bresser has successfully made a historic rectory in Garrelsweer, Groningen, earthquake-resistant. To install the innovative seismic solution, the national monument (300 tons) was carefully jacked up by one meter.

This operation created the space needed to install a new earthquake-resistant foundation (base isolation). After completion of the work, the 1931 rectory was safely lowered back into its final position.

By applying advanced engineering techniques, Bresser contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage in earthquake-prone areas. This project ensures that the historic building is protected and future-proof.