Last Thursday, the iconic Theater ‘t Speelhuis designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom was destroyed by a large fire, additionally damaging the eighteen cube houses surrounding it. The theater is considered a treasure to the residents of Helmond. Despite the local outcry to rebuild the Theater’s Playhouse, Mayor Jacobs is uncertain on whether that will happen, stating it would be “difficult”.

The eighteen cube houses that surround the fire has experience smoke and water damage, so they do not need to be demolished. However, thirteen of the fifty households within the vicinity of the theater have no insurance and it is unsure if they will be reimbursed for the damage.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, however sources speculate it was a shortage in equipment. There were no reports of anyone hurt, however valuable paintings of artist Har Sanders was also destroyed in the fire.

Reference: NOS