Gemeentehuis Opglabbeek

Gemeentehuis Opglabbeek is the former parsonage of the Norbertine canons of Averbode, remodeled in the 18th century and serving since the late 1930s as the town hall of Opglabbeek, now part of the municipality of Oudsbergen in the Belgian province of Limburg. Standing on Kapelstraat in a quiet part of the village, the building bridges its origins as a religious residence with its current role as the seat of local government.

Where does the building come from?

The story begins in 1767, when Abbot Gisbert Halloint commissioned a neoclassical parsonage on this site. Its construction is attributed to Grégoire Godissar, a lay brother of the Abbey of Averbode. The property was originally a moated manor house — locally referred to as a "Borg" — surrounded by a defensive water ring. The moat was later filled in, and the municipality laid out a park in its place, where traces of the former waterway can still be spotted today.

How did a parsonage become a town hall?

The turning point came in 1938–1939, when the former clerical residence was converted into the seat of local administration. Toward the end of the 20th century, a square was created in front of the building, and the old garden gave way to a new administrative center built to accommodate the growing needs of the municipality. This newer wing of the complex is associated with the architectural practice Team Herman Van Meer, credited with its design.

What has changed in recent years?

In 2011, the former parsonage underwent a thorough restoration. During the works, later additions that clashed with the building's historic character were removed, giving the structure a more authentic appearance. Both the building and its surrounding grounds are now protected as heritage of historical and architectural value.

What is there to see on site?

Visitors can admire the neoclassical form of the old parsonage, which contrasts with the newer, functional administrative wing next to it. The park surrounding the building — laid out where the moat once ran — offers a quiet spot for a short walk, and remnants of the former water defenses are a small point of interest for anyone curious about the region's residential and defensive architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gemeentehuis Opglabbeek still used as a town hall? Yes, the building has continuously served as the seat of local administration since 1938–1939, though Opglabbeek is today part of the larger municipality of Oudsbergen.

Is the building legally protected? Yes, both the building itself and its surrounding grounds hold protected heritage status due to their historical value.

What was the building originally used for? It was built in 1767 as a neoclassical parsonage for the Norbertine canons of Averbode, originally surrounded by a moat.

What occupies the site of the former moat today? A municipal park, where remnants of the original water defenses around the building can still be found.

When was the building last restored? A restoration took place in 2011, which removed later additions and returned the parsonage closer to its original appearance.