Town hall of Terneuzen

The Town Hall of Terneuzen is a government building in Brutalist style with geometric shapes and raw concrete that forms a stepped pyramid structure overlooking the Westerschelde river. Its facade consists of stacked concrete elements that create the building's distinctive appearance and bold silhouette.

The building was designed by architect Jaap Bakema and opened in 1973. It was built as part of Terneuzen's postwar expansion and reflected the city's growth after World War II.

Local residents nicknamed it 'the battleship' because its sharp angles and form resemble a large maritime vessel. This comparison has become a familiar reference point for how people think about and describe the building.

The building is located at Stadhuisplein 1 and houses municipal administrative offices that operate during standard business hours. The river bank nearby offers good vantage points to view the building's concrete exterior and stepped design from different angles.

The concrete exterior and stepped structure create distinct visual patterns throughout the day as sunlight shifts across the surfaces. These changing shadows and highlights offer visitors a different visual experience depending on when they visit.