Fish Market Nieuwpoort

The first fish market in Nieuwpoort 1908
“On June 2 [1819], they started dismantling the fish bell tower. This little tower had a bell that still originates from the tower of the former church of the religious Conceptionists / nuns / which stood on the west side of Kokstraete opposite the military hospital. It served to call the buyers when fish was sold at the fish market, and was one of the 52 to 54 (70) towers that once stood on the city walls or ramparts of this city, and was placed on the rampart at the fish market, overlooking Kokstraete. This small bell was then placed between two tall posts, standing above the fish gate where it can still be seen [June 1819].”
From the "Description of the city and harbor of Nieuwpoort..." by Joannes Rybens and Thomas De Roo (father and son).
The second fish market 1923 - 1924
Due to the influx of fishermen from the West Coast, a fish market was needed. Previously, people sought refuge in fishermen's inns. But the demand for a fish market grew.
A wooden barrack, serving as a fish market, was erected. This barrack was positioned crosswise on the Quay, at the height of Kaaistraat. It was not large.
Just as before 1914, a little bell was hung on the fish market. Each time fish was sold, it rang.
The third fish market 1927-1928
With the installation of auxiliary engines on the sailing boats, the supply of fish became more regular, as they became less dependent on weather conditions. The number of fishermen from De Panne and Oostduinkerke, who settled in Nieuwpoort, also increased.
Thus, there was a need for a larger fish market.
In 1927-1928, a stone fish market was built at the height of Kaaistraat, but now parallel to the quay.
The front of the market consisted of an open pole construction. The area where the sales took place was demarcated with posts and chains. At the rear, a space was provided for a warehouse and storage.
Here too, a little bell was hung.
The fourth fish market 1945
September 1944 saw the liberation of Nieuwpoort. The Germans blew up the quay walls during their retreat. The sluices that maintained the floating water at high tide were also completely destroyed.
Only in the spring of 1945 did the fishing industry get back on its feet. The sea mines, however, caused numerous casualties. In the first year after liberation, 72 Flemish fishermen found a sailor's grave.
Forcibly, the fishermen moored in the "basin" (Floating Water), where a temporary fish market was also erected. It was a wooden building measuring 20 by 10 meters, sheathed in corrugated sheets. Because the wind had free play in the rickety fish market, it soon got the nickname “'t Stalletje van Bethlehem” (the stable of Bethlehem). Some referred to it as the “blekken kot” (barking shed). (Not to be confused with the barking shed that was built years later further along the harbor channel and used by the rescue service.)
The small fish market was later expanded with a 30-meter long metal shed and an adjoining office.
The fifth fish market 1953
The new fish market was officially inaugurated on May 25, 1953. At that time, the Nieuwpoort fleet consisted of 59 smaller, wooden coastal vessels with a total tonnage of 1400 tons.
The building that was erected in 1952 measured 92 by 23 m. The sales hall was accessible via 14 retractable gates. There were also nine large and three small warehouses.
The canopy on the north side was intended to provide some protection for the fish unloaders.
In the 15-meter high tower, which was equipped with an electrically illuminated clock on all four sides, there was a siren that announced the beginning of the sales sessions.
In 1970, an expansion measuring 80 by 23 m began. The fish sales hall thus doubled in size. A new floor with three halls, new warehouses, two passages, and a stairwell was also added.
On June 16, 1972, the newly expanded part of the fish market was ceremonially inaugurated.

Heyde Etienne