Standing tall and proud in the heart of Emmeloord, the Poldertoren is a remarkable landmark that tells the story of the Noordoostpolder's development and unity. This impressive structure, built between 1957 and 1959, is not just a testament to architectural prowess but also a symbol of the region's collective spirit and resilience.
The Poldertoren was conceived during the early planning stages of the Noordoostpolder. The idea was to create a prominent tower on the central square of Emmeloord, which would serve as a beacon for the surrounding area and symbolize the unity of the polder. It was crucial that the tower not be a church tower, to avoid any one church dominating the others.
In December 1950, the Waterleiding Maatschappij of Overijssel province launched a public competition to design a water tower with a carillon and an observation platform. The winning design, named Utillis, was crafted by Amsterdam architect H. van Gent, with support from J.W.H.C. Pot. Construction began on June 12, 1957, and the tower was officially inaugurated on June 20, 1959.
With a height of 65.3 meters (70.5 meters including the weather vane), the Poldertoren is one of the tallest water towers in the Netherlands. The tower's base is 14 meters wide, narrowing slightly to 13.4 meters at the observation platform, which sits 43.4 meters above the ground. Visitors can reach the platform by climbing a spiral staircase with 243 steps. The tower originally had a water storage capacity of 1,850 cubic meters.
The construction of the Poldertoren involved the use of 1,220 cubic meters of concrete, 185 tons of reinforcing steel, 600,000 bricks, 624 tons of cement, and 7,200 drainage pipes, making it a true feat of engineering.
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One of the most enchanting features of the Poldertoren is its carillon, which consists of 48 bells cast by the Eijsbouts bell foundry. The bells, arranged in a chromatic series from c1 to c5, were funded through a community effort led by A.D. van Eck, the head of the architectural department of the Noordoostpolder Works. Each village in the municipality of Noordoostpolder donated a bell, adding to the carillon's charm and significance.
The largest bell, named Juliana Regina after Queen Juliana, weighs 2,382 kilograms and serves as the heaviest swinging bell in Flevoland. The smallest bell weighs a mere 13 kilograms. All the bells bear inscriptions, with messages like Facta non verba (Deeds, not words) and Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt (Unity makes strength), reflecting the values and aspirations of the community.
For many years, it was believed that the Poldertoren stood at the exact geographical center of the Noordoostpolder. However, in 2022, it was discovered that the true center lies 1,200 meters east of the tower, near the festival grounds on Kamperweg. Despite this, the Poldertoren remains a central and unifying symbol for the region.
Though the Poldertoren no longer functions as a water tower, it has found new purposes over the years. It once housed the VVV tourist office with an ANWB shop, an office, and the Michelin-starred restaurant Sonoy at the clock level. However, due to financial constraints, the municipality of Noordoostpolder vacated the tower in 2013.
Today, the Poldertoren stands as a Rijksmonument, a national heritage site since 2014, preserving its historical and cultural significance for future generations. It continues to be a source of pride and identity for the residents of Emmeloord and the broader Noordoostpolder region.
Visiting the Poldertoren offers a unique glimpse into the history and spirit of the Noordoostpolder. As you ascend the tower's spiral staircase, you can't help but marvel at the engineering and community effort that brought this structure to life. The observation platform provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, a testament to the vision and determination of those who transformed a barren polder into a thriving community.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a unique experience, the Poldertoren in Emmeloord is a must-visit destination. Its towering presence and rich history make it a true gem in the heart of the Netherlands.
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