Zwevegem Replaces Protected Monuments with Café and Parking

Zwevegem (Eurotoday) – Zwevegem trades land with Verhaeghe Brewery, gaining a café and parking near Sint-Amand nursing home. The brewery invests €750,000 to restore the historic Priesterage into a tavern. Mayor Isabelle Degezelle supports the plan.

The city of Zwevegem is exchanging land with a brewery. Officials stated that this initiative would help the city develop additional infrastructure. A new café and parking lot near the nursing home will provide more space and convenience for residents.

The added parking area is expected to reduce traffic congestion. City officials emphasized that ensuring ample space is essential for the community’s growth and for improving the quality of life, particularly for elderly residents.

This is an opportunity for the municipality since the café and associated parking lot are located near our residential care center, Sint-Amand, enabling potential expansion,

explains Mayor Isabelle Degezelle (CD&V).

Will Verhaeghe Brewery’s €750K restoration save the Priesterage?

Verhaeghe Brewery has committed to restoring the Priesterage building, aiming to bring it back to its former glory. The brewery will invest €750,000 to renovate the historic structure and transform it into a tavern where visitors can enjoy their beers.

They are investing approximately €750,000 to convert the old rectory into a showcase for the brewery, effectively creating an upgraded tavern,

says Verhaeghe Brewery.

According to the brewery, the tavern will be open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the historic building. This restoration will preserve the Priesterage while giving it a functional purpose. The city will not need to allocate funds for the renovation, as the brewery will cover the costs in exchange for utilizing the space.

Verhaeghe Brewery blank”>will take ownership of the Priesterage, a structure likely dating back to the 16th century. Though it has undergone multiple renovations, it remains underutilized. Officials noted that significant restoration work is necessary. The brewery, renowned for its Flemish red-brown ales such as Duchesse de Bourgogne, is well-positioned to revitalize the site.

City officials emphasized that this arrangement provides a valuable opportunity to restore and repurpose the landmark. Allowing a private entity with adequate resources to renovate the building ensures its preservation for future generations.