Zuiderpershuis is an important piece of industrial heritage, not just because of the industrial relics on site but also because of the modest vision that was at the heart of the restauration that led to its second life as a blooming cultural centre. With the restauration and reconversion, Zuiderpershuis acted as an international trailblazer that put the revaluation of industrial-archaeological heritage on the European map.
In adapting the boiler and machine rooms to theatre halls, the choice was made to preserve the industrial look-and-feel and maintain the original layout of the complex. The main interventions in the first phase of the restauration (1992-1993) were the removal of the wall between the machine and boiler halls and the adaptation with concrete floors. In light of the ‘economical’ restauration vision, the woodwork was preserved where possible and repaired or renewed where needed.
Likewise, during the second phase (1995-1996) only pressing interventions were done, such as the demolition of the outbuildings connected to the staff houses (due to dilapidation) and the placement of a partition between the hangars and the courtyard. The workshops were preserved and put to use in the various theatre activities. The restauration of the first-aid post showed a similar sense of frugality. In this final restauration phase (2006), this building was transformed in a promotional, educational and reception area. The façade was also restored to its (presumed) original state.