Windmill De Goede Verwachting Den Helder has been nominated for the VriendenLoterij Mill Prize. With this nomination, a special goal comes closer: having the rebuilt mill grind actual grain. For this, one important component is still needed: a millstone.
Why nominated?
The nomination revolves around the next step for De Goede Verwachting. The mill has been rebuilt and brings a lost piece of milling history back to Den Helder, but still lacks a working function. With a complete grinding mechanism, the mill will become more than just a recognizable silhouette in the city. Then it can truly get to work.
In this respect, De Goede Verwachting aligns well with the Molenprijs. The prize is intended for mill projects with a clear vision for the future. Den Helder concerns a mill that is regaining meaning: as a place where craftsmanship becomes visible, where visitors can experience something, and where heritage is used again.
An old silhouette back
A sawmill once stood on this site, closely linked to the maritime past of Den Helder. Wood was sawn in the mill for ships that were built and repaired at Willemsoord. As such, the mill was part of the city's work rhythm, where shipyards, ships, and craftsmanship came together.
The original mill was lost to fire. Recently, De Goede Verwachting was rebuilt with the appearance of a sawmill. With this, a vanished silhouette has returned to the city. The mill shows once again that Den Helder is not only a city of sea and port, but also of craftsmanship and manufacturing history.
From wood to grain
The old function as a sawmill will not be restored. Two rental homes are located in the base of the mill. As a result, there is not enough space to saw wood again.
Nevertheless, De Goede Verwachting must become a working mill again. That is why the foundation is now focusing on grinding grain. The mill can already turn, but it does not yet grind flour. In milling terminology, that is called turning for the prince. The sails are set in motion, but nothing is being produced yet.
A millstone is needed to grind grain. That is a substantial investment. With the prize money from the VriendenLoterij Molenprijs, the foundation wants to make that step possible.
The Molenprijs is a national public award. A total of five windmill projects have been nominated. The project with the most public votes wins 50,000 euros to implement the plan. In addition, every participating windmill receives one euro per vote cast. For De Goede Verwachting, that money will go towards the purchase of the millstone.
Significance for the city
For Den Helder, this means more than just a turning mill. De Goede Verwachting brings back a vanished piece of city history and gives it a new function. Not as an exact replica of the past, but as a place where heritage, craftsmanship, and meeting come together.
The windmill stands between the Sluisdijkbuurt and the Visbuurt. This allows the building to develop into a recognizable place for residents, schools, and visitors. A place where you see the past of Den Helder, but also notice that heritage can once again play a role in life today.
Voting starts in September
Voting for De Goede Verwachting opens in September. Every vote helps the Helderse mill get closer to grinding its own grain.
