Television tower Goes

Standing tall and proud in the charming town of Goes in the province of Zeeland, the Television tower Goes, known locally as Televisietoren Goes, is an imposing structure that commands attention. This 139-meter-high tower is not just a beacon for television and radio signals but also a testament to the history and technological advancements of the Netherlands. Let's take a closer look at this fascinating landmark that has been a part of the Dutch landscape since the mid-20th century.

A Glimpse into History

The story of the Television tower Goes begins in the 1950s when the Dutch government decided to introduce television to the nation. To facilitate this, several television towers needed to be constructed across the country, and the tower for the South-West Netherlands was to be erected in Goes. The Television tower Goes holds the distinction of being the first permanent television tower in the Netherlands, even predating the famous Gerbrandy Tower.

Construction of the tower began in the summer of 1955. Employing a novel construction method using sliding formwork with vibratory needles, the concrete shaft of the tower was built in just 25 days. The tower initially stood at 86 meters tall, with 82 meters above ground level. A 34-meter steel tube mast topped with a 14-meter lattice mast brought the total height to over 130 meters. Over the years, the height has been adjusted several times to accommodate new transmitters.

Architectural Marvel

The Television tower Goes is an architectural marvel with 21 floors and a foundation supported by 70 Franki piles, each approximately 16 meters long. The circular foundation plate has a diameter of 16 meters and is 2 meters thick, doubling as the basement floor. The tower's inner diameter is 10.3 meters, with concrete walls 20 cm thick, while the outer diameter of the platforms and rings is 17.4 meters. Reflecting on the devastating North Sea flood of 1953, the tower was also designed as a microwave relay tower for telephony and equipped with an emergency door on the first floor.

Identical concrete towers were constructed in Mierlo, Roosendaal, and Loon op Zand between 1955 and 1957. However, the tower in Goes is unique with its six platforms, whereas the others have five. The lowest of these platforms, known as the service or work ring, is situated around the 15th floor at a height of 56.90 meters and is enclosed with steel frames and a glass wall. The reportage ring on the 19th floor, with its floor at 73.64 meters above ground level, is the highest stop for the elevator, with the top floor accessible by stairs.

From Analogue to Digital

The Television tower Goes officially began operations on December 10, 1957, after test broadcasts started on November 5 of the same year. The tower has served multiple purposes over the decades, including radio, television, and telephone transmissions, as well as mobile telephony, ANWB, and RIVM. With evolving technologies, many of these functions have been replaced or supplemented by new ones like mobile internet, data storage, and digital television (DVB-T2) and radio (DAB+).

In the fall of 1962, two FM transmitters were installed in the tower for public broadcasting, each with a power of 12 kW. Broadcasts began on December 24, 1962, and stereo broadcasting commenced on June 3, 1969. As of 2024, the tower transmits several radio stations, including 100%NL, NPO Radio 1, NPO Radio 2, NPO 3FM, NPO Klassiek, Omroep Zeeland, Radio 10, Radio 538, Joe, Sky Radio, SOB FM, and Qmusic.

Ownership and Modernization

Initially, the tower was state-owned until the privatization of the PTT. The mast and broadcasting transmitters were managed by Nozema, with the Dutch State as the majority shareholder. In December 2006, the tower was sold to the French company TDF S.A., specializing in transmission installations. The concrete tower has been owned by Cellnex (formerly Alticom) since 2017, while the steel mast is contractually owned by NOVEC, and the land around the tower belongs to KPN.

In February 2007, the analogue transmission antennas were replaced with digital television (DVB-T) antennas, and the red and white plastic tube installed in 1987 was replaced by a steel spine that is 11 meters shorter. This modification brought the total height of the tower to 139 meters. The replacement was carried out by a specialized helicopter team from Switzerland, a decision prompted by practical considerations from the municipality of Goes.

A Beacon of Light

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Television tower Goes is its illumination. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the tower is lit up in the evenings, a delightful initiative by the StichtLicht foundation from Goes. This lighting adds a magical touch to the skyline and makes the tower a beacon of light and technology.

The Television tower Goes is not just a functional structure but a symbol of technological progress and historical significance. Its towering presence and multifaceted roles over the decades make it a fascinating landmark worth exploring. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a technology buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Television tower Goes offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of communication in the Netherlands.