The Balen building - Enschede

The Balen building in Enschede, built in 1907, played a crucial role in the boom of Twente's textile industry. It served as a warehouse for heavy bales of cotton, which were brought in from distant countries via ships and trains. Thanks to its favourable location on the railway line between Enschede and Lonneker, raw materials could be efficiently processed and distributed to surrounding factories. At the time, the building was equipped with large cranes and sturdy structures to enable the storage and transport of cotton. In the heyday of the textile industry, the Balen Building acted as the nerve centre for the supply of cotton, a product that dominated the city's economy for decades. Today, its imposing brick architecture is a reminder of the prosperity and activity that the textile industry brought to Enschede.

During the fireworks disaster of 13 May 2000, the Balen building sustained significant damage but remained standing as one of the few buildings in the Roombeek district. After a thorough renovation, it has housed Mediahuis Twente, including the editorial office of the Twentsche Courant Tubantia, since 2017. The building now combines historical elements with modern facilities, serving as a vibrant centre for regional media.