GORINCHEM – Archaeologists have high expectations for the prospect of excavations at the construction site for V&D in the city centre of Gorinchem. There could be finds dating back to the fourteenth century. It is not inconceivable that part of the Van Arkel family's court will be uncovered.
It is not yet known when exactly the archaeologists will start work, but in any case in the period between the end of July and mid-September. The Gorcum municipal council voted yesterday evening without a fight to the credit of more than 1,1 million euros for the location development for V&D. Despite the fact that the land development showed a small deficit of around 44.000 euros, which is incidentally covered with money from the general reserve fund. The deficit arose because the agreement concluded two years ago with the developer Blauwhoed did not take into account possible planning damage and the costs of archaeological research. That 'forgetfulness' was the reason for P. Schefferlie (PvdA) to ask the only question. "Will new plans in the future take this into account?", he wanted to know. "A question that I can answer briefly and powerfully", responded alderman H. Akkerman. "Yes!" The chance that the council would react negatively was already virtually zero in advance. Especially since the demolition workers are already busy demolishing the buildings in the area between Krijtstraat and Struisvogelstraat.
The new V&D building will be wedged between the Kazerneplein, with its covered parking garage, and the heart of the Gorcum city centre, where most entrepreneurs are keen to welcome the arrival of the department store. The establishment of V&D in the Arkelstad has been discussed for decades. Clouds of dust are flying around during the demolition on the Krijtstraat in the Gorcum city centre. V&D will soon open its doors on the site where only a half-demolished building now stands, formerly the home of the Turkish Islamic Cultural Association.
The Dordrecht resident
June 28, 2001