City Hall Nieuwpoort

The City Hall in its current form in Flemish neo-Renaissance dates from 1922. On the ground floor, among other things, the Tourism Department is housed. The former city hall, located on Langestraat, now serves as a police precinct.

The current city hall, located on the southern side of the Market Square, dates from 1922 (cf. anchor dating on the south façade). During the reconstruction after World War I, there was an effort to concentrate all important public buildings near the market square. For the construction of the new city hall, a total of four merchant families had to vacate their homes. The city hall now houses, in addition to the municipal administrative services, the tourism office. The interior contains a rich collection of artworks including etchings, drawings, watercolors, paintings, and sculptures. Architecturally, this city hall belongs to the neo-Flemish Renaissance. Above the arched doorway is the former coat of arms of the city. It depicts a ploughing farmer and a fisherman with an anchor. At the top, the Latin name of the city, namely "Novus Portus," is mentioned.

In the middle of the Market Square, there is a bluestone with the preamble of the City Charter of Nieuwpoort, carved by W. Vermandere. This Freedom Charter was granted to Nieuwpoort by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders, in 1163. The granting of a City Charter meant complete autonomy for Nieuwpoort in administrative, fiscal, and legal matters. This Charter is proof of the significance of Nieuwpoort through the ages.

Heyde Etienne