Haacht Brewery and Monumentenwacht Sign a Partnership Agreement to Efficiently Maintain Cultural Heritage

Beer and heritage are inextricably linked in Belgium. Co.Br.HA Real Estate manages dozens of historically significant cafés throughout Flanders. To ensure the optimal preservation of this heritage, it will now collaborate more closely with Monumentenwacht, which possesses all the necessary expertise in this area. The collaboration focuses on both buildings that are protected as monuments and those listed in the Inventory of Immovable Heritage. Drawing on its knowledge and experience, Monumentenwacht will provide recommendations to further improve the maintenance of this heritage and organize it more efficiently.

As part of the implementation of its structural and strategic transformation plan, “Horizon 2030,” Co.Br.Ha. Real Estate has been focusing since the beginning of this year on the accelerated revitalization and targeted management of the heritage properties in its real estate portfolio. In this way, the Belgian family-owned brewing group supports the entrepreneurship of its professional partners—hospitality business owners—who, in turn, can offer consumers a distinctive experience.

After all, operating a restaurant or bar in a historic building often offers customers a unique experience. This is a major asset, as customers are placing increasing importance on precisely that when they go out to a bar. Recently, the Gempemolen in Sint-Joris-Winge underwent renovations, and restoration work began on De Roos on the Grote Markt in Diest, Het Spijker and ‘t Gouden Mandeken in Ghent, and Baron Ruzette in Bruges. Monumentenwacht prepared an advisory report for each of these renovations.

The agreement with Monumentenwacht is a logical next step in accelerating value creation for the real estate portfolio of Co.Br.Ha. Real Estate. The agreement was formally signed by Nils van Dam, CEO of Co.Br.Ha., the parent company of Brouwerij Haacht, and Luk Lemmens, chairman of Monumentenwacht Vlaanderen. Nils van Dam: “Many of our cafés have a rich history and are part of Flanders’ architectural heritage. We must cherish that. Monumentenwacht is uniquely positioned to support us in this effort.”

With the new agreement, Haacht Brewery and Monumentenwacht aim to work together efficiently. Luk Lemmens: “By signing this cooperation agreement, we’re putting our expertise to work to support the brewery in managing its heritage. We applaud the brewery for taking responsibility in this area.” Provincial Executive Member Bart Nevens adds: “In Flemish Brabant, our heritage conservation officers provide regular advisory reports on fifteen heritage cafés. Their advice helps owners keep these unique places in good condition, both today and in the future.”