Sugar Factory

Features

Explanatory description

History

The first Dutch beet sugar factory was founded in Zevenbergen in 1858. Its origins lie on the Huizersdijk, where the Azelma sugar factory was most likely built in 1858. In 1867, the madder factory, the Phoenix, was converted into a sugar factory. In 1872, the third sugar factory in Zevenbergen, De Dankbaarheid, was built. It was located on the Schansdijk.

Across the water, on the De Roode Vaart, a sugar factory (now on Blokweg) was built in the early 20th century (probably around 1912). As several sugar factories merged into a cooperative, many privately owned factories disappeared because they could not compete with the cooperatives. The factory on Blokweg in Zevenbergen was established following the formation of a cooperative. As a result, the sugar factory on Blokweg had a legitimate reason to exist and expanded significantly in the years that followed. The first buildings at this location were situated at what is now Blokweg 17–19. Between World War II and 1969, the facilities were significantly expanded. During this period, the two chimneys (1946 and 1947) and the former boiler house (1951) were constructed; the boiler house is now located at Blokweg 15.

In 1987, this factory also closed its doors, bringing an end to a long history of the sugar industry in Zevenbergen.

Location

De Roode Vaart, situated in a striking location.

Architectural and art-historical features:

Exterior

The chimneys are constructed of red machine-cut brick. The round chimney rests on a square base measuring 5.90 x 5.90 meters and approximately 5 meters high. Above that, the round chimney begins, with a diameter of approximately 5.5 meters at the base and 3.5 meters at the top. The total height of the chimney is 50 meters, the first 25 meters of which are constructed of double-walled masonry.

The former boiler house is also constructed of machine-cut brick, predominantly in a half-brick bond. It features pilasters and moldings, also in masonry. The black steel windows have a wide grid pattern that is subdivided by a narrower grid pattern. The window openings in the left side and rear facades are fitted with wire-reinforced glass. The window openings in the front and right side facades retain their original glass. The roof consists of a concrete cassette roof covered with bitumen. From the interior, various roof penetrations—including a skylight—are still clearly visible in the cassette ceiling.

Excluded

Various openings in the facades have been (partially) bricked up or fitted with roller shutters, and various advertisements have been added. There is also a carport on the right side of the property. These elements are not subject to municipal protection.

Public Interest

The property is of public interest. It has cultural and historical value because it represents the long history of the sugar industry in Zevenbergen. The chimneys are a defining feature of the skyline of Zevenbergen-Noord. The sugar factory is located on the Roode Vaart and is visible from the N285 provincial highway.

Condition of Maintenance

The overall condition of the chimneys is fair. The upper sections of the chimneys need to be restored. The boiler house is in good condition.

Protection

The protection applies to two chimneys and the former boiler house at Blokweg 15 in Zevenbergen. The main aspects of the elements worthy of preservation as historic monuments—which are related to the historic values of the entire property—are included in the explanatory description. For the two chimneys and the former boiler house, this concerns relevant parts of the exterior and (parts of) elevations that are visible from public areas; in this case, this includes all elevations and the elements mentioned in the explanatory description.

Future changes or modifications will be evaluated against these criteria. The entire property is included in the explanatory description. For the lock on the Barlaaksedijk in Standdaarbuiten, this applies to the visible parts—in this case, both the southwest side (excluding the modern concrete components) and the northeast side of the lock, as well as the elements mentioned in the explanatory description. Future changes or modifications will be assessed against these criteria. (northeast side) and the right-
side view (northwest side) and the elements mentioned in the explanatory description. Future changes or modifications will be assessed against these criteria.