Mechelen butter market

Older people know the Botermarkt as "Coolmerct", since coal and butter were traded here long before our time, and vegetables and butter were traded in the covered vegetable market , hence the name Botermarkt.

In the 17th century , the first significant vegetable market took place, first in the Iron Loan and later on the Grote Markt.

In 1869 it was decided to build a covered building: the first covered vegetable market in Mechelen. Butter and vegetables were traded here daily. In the period 1865–70, the average shipment of butter was more than 2,000 kg per week , which was still limited, but it was a good start. The Groentenhal, in turn, went under the demolition hammer in 1969 to make way for the Euroshoppingcenter , which was to be a hugely successful project. Dealers were very interested in 1974 and everything was sold in five weeks . However, it soon became apparent that the return did not live up to expectations and setbacks followed in quick succession. As a result, the building was quickly dubbed the “ cancer of the city ”.

The Botermarkt was completely redesigned and upgraded in 2015. In particular, the reopening of the Koolvliet and the planted row of trees contribute to the view and comfort of the Botermarkt. In addition, a cubist fountain was installed in the middle of the square, which is a great place to relax in the summer.

Willem Vandenameele