Oyster pits (Spuikom)

Spuikom. Located to the southeast of the port, on former territory of Bredene. Dredged at the expense of the State between 1898-1914, as part of the large-scale expansion and modernization of the port. The large, loop-shaped spuikom with sluice complexes is situated southward of the then-planned Voorhaven; the route of the Noord-Ede was adjusted for this and now connects to the south. Fourth spuikom of Ostend. The first in 1517, west of the city; 1808-1810: FRENCH SPUIKOM in the bed of the closed Gouwelozekreek; 1817-1820: new spuikom, in the bed of the Oostende-Brugge canal; 1853/7-1862: Leopoldspuikom at the site of the current Vissershaven. 1898-1914: filling in of the French Spuikom for the digging of the Vlotdok and the digging of the new Spuikom; 1920-1922: filling in of Leopoldspuikom for the construction of the new Vissershaven. The function of the spuikom, as a harbor channel outlet, has never been optimal. The spuikom is now used for water recreation and as a breeding ground for shellfish and mollusks.

GEVAERT F. (ed.), Historical-geographical repertoire of Bredene. 22. Historical calendar of the port of Ostend, in Bredeniana. Jubilee Book 900 years Bredene, Bredene, 1988, p. 51-58.

Source: CALLAERT G., DELEPIERE A.-M., HOOFT E., KERRINCKX H. & VANNESTE P. with contributions from SANTY P. & SNAUWAERT L. 2005: Inventory of architectural heritage, Province of West Flanders, Municipality of Ostend, Part IA: City of Ostend, Streets A-M, Part IB: City of Ostend, Streets N-Z and neighborhoods Harbor, Hazegras, Opex, Part II: Sub-municipalities Mariakerke, Raversijde, Stene and Zandvoorde, Building through the centuries in Flanders WVL6, unpublished working documents.
Authors: Delepiere, Anne Marie; Kerrinckx, Hans; Hooft, Elise; Callaert, Gonda
Date: 2005
The text is made available by: Flemish Heritage Agency (AOE)

Joris Broché