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For years this old, 19th century building held out as a squatter's haven against the tide of "renovating", "upgrading" but really the general spoiling of Alkmaar's old waterfront.
Brightly painted and bubbling with 'underground' activity, the building, called 'de Raad', saw the construction of the new city council offices across the street (see background) and the disappearance of many other old landmarks.
Now, after a long, long struggle the squatters have finally lost and left and the demolition of this fine, old building is progressing rapidly. Pretty soon there will be nothing left of it. What will take its place? Expensive apartments of course that will make a bundle for the realty developers...
It's a shame and I have started a (partly non-linear) set to celebrate de Raad's past and commemorate the free spirits that kept it alive for so long!
sideview, close
see the set
For years this old, 19th century building held out as a squatter's haven against the tide of "renovating", "upgrading" but really the general spoiling of Alkmaar's old waterfront.
Brightly painted and bubbling with 'underground' activity, the building, called 'de Raad', saw the construction of the new city council offices across the street (see background) and the disappearance of many other old landmarks.
Now, after a long, long struggle the squatters have finally lost and left and the demolition of this fine, old building is progressing rapidly. Pretty soon there will be nothing left of it. What will take its place? Expensive apartments of course that will make a bundle for the realty developers...
It's a shame and I have started a (partly non-linear) set to celebrate de Raad's past and commemorate the free spirits that kept it alive for so long!