Curaçao receives heritage funding for renovation of historic Scharloo district

WILLEMSTAD – The historic Scharloo district is receiving funding from a national heritage program for the renovation of the old Swaen town house and surrounding buildings.

The ‘Swaen Curaçao’ project is one of eight new projects in the latest round of the Heritage Deal, a national program that links heritage to area development.

The Heritage Deal program will end at the end of this year. The Curaçao neighborhood of Scharloo is one of the last projects to receive funding.

From the Netherlands to Curacao
This year, the program also received a project in Curaçao for the second time. Previously, the project was Awa pa Kòrsou. The steering committee deliberately chose projects that were previously missing, such as those combining housing and heritage.

“The core of our success lies in the collaboration between various parties,” says Mirjam Wulfse, chair of the Heritage Deal. “Governments, heritage organizations, residents, and social organizations each contribute their own expertise.”

What’s going to happen in Scharloo?
The project aims to improve the living environment for residents around the old Swaen Town Hall in Scharloo. This neighborhood is part of Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s not just about renovating the historic town hall and surrounding buildings. Local culture will also be highlighted: the self-build tradition, crafts, and neighborhood stories. This will create a social hub where heritage and community spirit converge.