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No one wanted a free house

– We no longer need it, and therefore wanted to give away the house for free. We would also contribute 100,000 kroner to relocation if the new owner was a non-profit organization, says communications director Tone Horvei Bredal to Børsen.

Earlier this year went the industrial group Borregaard out with an offer to give away Borregaardsveien 26 i Sarpsborg. The deadline was set for September 1, but free housing and financial support notwithstanding: No real stakeholders signed up.

– The unions at Borregaard have had their haunt here in recent decades. Now, however, they have moved into more modern buildings, which makes the house empty. We therefore had a hope that someone would take over.

Unknown with the obligations

Local newspaper Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad has among other things mentioned the special offer. According to Bredal, the column space generated some interest from the audience, but:

– We have received some inquiries, but it is often from people who have not read the case well enough.

EASY: This house has created unrest among the neighbors in Bærum. Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet
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As the house is located within Borregaard’s construction area, it must be moved if someone wants to take over and preserve it. In addition, the cladding of the house must be replaced.

– You actually have to pick down the house in parts and transport it to another plot. An investment must also be made to build up in good technical condition. Any upgrades must also be done in collaboration with the county conservator in Viken.

– Should be torn

According to Bredal, the house is not considered worthy of protection. However, Viken County Municipality has considered the building as part of a cultural-historical landscape of national interest.

– Who was the target group here?

– There could be someone who had special interests in old buildings, such as a museum or a similar actor. The owner undertakes, among other things, to take over responsibility for conservation.

That responsibility apparently became too great. Bredal explains that the company has now asked the county conservator to consider an application to demolish the building. According to her, there is currently no answer here.

– Is it a pity that the building will potentially be demolished?

– In general, a lot of resources are used to take care of old buildings. When we do not find anyone who sees the value of the house, our attitude is that it should be demolished.

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