Opening of the “Silt” casino in Middelkerke
The challenge was huge, but the result is there: “Silt”, the new casino in Middelkerke opens this weekend, inviting residents and tourists to discover its multiple facets, whether they are game enthusiasts, gourmets or simply the search for escape. This project marks a turning point for Middelkerke, proving that even a small Flemish town can think big and revitalize its coastline with boldness and elegance.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on February 26, 2022. The Nautilus construction team then worked hard on the completion. Because the time has now come for the long-awaited opening of the new Middelkerke casino, a centerpiece of which Mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker is very proud. As many as 450 people have been working around the clock for weeks to get everything finished in time for the 5 p.m. deadline.
The new casino is the number one topic of discussion in the coastal town. The building has even already won an international architectural award and residents had the opportunity to experience the impressive setting, the centerpiece of the beach, during the New Year’s reception.
The old casino
At the end of August 2017, the old casino closed its doors; it had seen its heyday in the 1980s, when radio and television programs were also broadcast there. The old building was demolished to make way for a new building.
New construction project
The new construction project caused a lot of noise. The current mayor, Jean-Marie Dedecker, accused the then mayor and two aldermen of accepting bribes from the construction company Willemen, which was authorized to carry out the new project in collaboration with the operator of the Napoleon Games casino. Jean-Marie Dedecker was then a municipal councilor in opposition and filed a complaint for corruption, but the court never found proof of these accusations. Not all suspects were therefore prosecuted last year.
But in 2019, Jean-Marie Dedecker (LDD) became mayor and canceled the agreement with the construction group Willemen. They then demanded 8.2 million euros in compensation for the costs already incurred, due to the demolition of the old building, and for the damage to their image. The amount of compensation is still under investigation by an expert. There is no decision on this yet.
Jean-Marie Dedecker:
“I’ve had a lot of gray hairs and lost a lot of money hiring lawyers, but I definitely wanted to start from a clean sheet of paper and give everyone the opportunity to make a proposal.
There had to be a new casino by Easter. We are small Flemings, but we must think big! We must revive our beautiful coast.”
He also admits that Silt costs a lot more than initially expected.
“When we started here, Putin invaded Ukraine and commodity prices immediately increased by 30 percent. It was hard to swallow. But we decided to go ahead and pay the additional fees. The casino has now cost 70 million euros. But we receive around 3 million euros per year from the hotel and casino operators, so the construction costs will be repaid in 30 years.”
Silt, More than just a casino
Silt is much more than just a casino. This eye-catcher consists of a large underground part with a reception room and a games room, and an above-ground part in the form of a bollard. The casino also has a 73-room hotel and three restaurants, “Silt” therefore offers a total experience where everyone can find what they are looking for. Even those who don’t play, but like to spend time on the coast, will find what they are looking for.
Silt is the only beach building on the entire coastline, unique and offering a spectacular view. In addition, almost all hotel rooms have sea views. The connection with the sea is synonymous with the entire project. The hotel is operated by C-Hotels. Not all of the hotel’s 73 rooms will be finished when they open.