Church tower renovation in Varel: This is how it continues – cell phone network affected!

Church tower renovation in Varel: This is how it continues – cell phone network affected!

In Varel, the steeple of St. Bonifatius Church is currently being extensively renovated. For three months, the tower has been hidden under scaffolding with green and white netting - a visible sign of the necessary work affecting the interior and exterior facade. Pastor Ludger Becker, who has been part of the community for two years, reported that the renovation planning began over three years ago and the actual work started in May of this year. The majority of the measures should be completed by the planned dismantling of the scaffolding in mid-September. But what exactly is being renewed here?

A central reason for the renovation is broken joints and damaged stones, which affect the external facade. In addition, the tower is suffering from what is known as “concrete cancer,” cracking caused by moisture, which also requires extensive work on the inside of the tower. Further construction work includes, among other things, the sound hatches for the bells, which also need to be repaired. The total costs of the renovation amount to 662,000 euros. The majority, namely 547,000 euros, comes from church tax revenue, while 85,000 euros are financed from reserves and 30,000 euros from donations. However, around 10,000 euros in donations are still missing to ensure the entire financing. The citizens of Varel are asked to participate in the preservation of their church tower, because the construction site not only brings advantages but also challenges.

Complex measures for the church tower

The renovation work is diverse. In addition to the special attention to the external facade, the roof covering and the roof construction are also in focus, as those responsible for Save the Church Tower report. Damage to the roof covering was found, and there are also dangers from falling slate tiles and water penetration. The renewal of the slate covering and the roof cladding is therefore particularly urgent. While the scaffolding is used to renovate the external facade, various additional work can also be carried out.

• Sanierung der Natursteinfassade des Kirchturms
• Sanierungsarbeiten an der Turmuhr, wie die Erneuerung abgebrochener Zeiger und Zifferblatte
• Prüfung und eventueller Austausch der Steuerung der Turmuhr
• Verstärkung der Deckenbalken durch Stahlträger
• Beseitigung von Gefahrenstellen an Bodenbelägen und Treppen im Kirchturm

The church tower not only plays a central role due to its structural features, but it is also important for the mobile phone provider's network coverage. However, this has led to the construction site occasionally causing disruptions to the mobile phone network. The priest points out that there can be interruptions from time to time in the city center of Varel. Nevertheless, the goal is to return to the church tower's original appearance by autumn.

For anyone who wants to contribute to the preservation of St. Boniface Church, now is the right time. Not only the community, but also the entire city lives from the maintenance of such important buildings. Therefore: Treat yourself to a good hand in preserving your church tower! For further information about the measures, those interested can visit the websites of nwzonline and Visit rettet-den-kirchturm. There you will find out everything about the renovation work and how you can support us.