Knokke-Heist casino construction under scrutiny
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2 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The municipality of Knokke-Heist recently announced the appointment of a team of independent experts to oversee the construction of its new casino, a project estimated to cost €110 million. This decision is intended to avoid the mistakes of the past, in particular those made during the HOOST building project, which caused structural damage to neighbouring homes.
An ambitious project under close scrutiny
The future Casino-Kursaal in Knokke-Heist is designed to blend historical heritage with contemporary features. The building will house a casino, a nightclub, a 2,000 square metre art gallery and a new kursaal (editor’s note: a theatre and performance hall) destined to become a major events hub. An underground extension on Canadasquare will also include restaurants and a 400-space car park.
To ensure the smooth running of the works, scheduled for completion in 2032, the local authority has allocated a budget of €500,000 to the team of independent experts. This proactive initiative is designed to prevent incidents similar to those of the HOOST project, where cracks and subsidence affected around twenty nearby houses.
Learning from the past: the HOOST case
The HOOST project, launched in the heart of Knokke-Heist, was intended to revitalise the Place Maes- en Boereboomplein with the construction of a 14-storey residential building comprising 97 varied dwellings.
However, as soon as work began, local residents noticed structural damage to their homes, attributed to the construction activities. Despite complaints, the problems persisted, leading to cracks, subsidence and even interruptions to utilities such as gas.
Faced with these inconveniences, the municipality put pressure on the developer’s insurer to quickly compensate the affected residents.
Cathy Coudyser, the mayor of Knokke-Heist, wants to avoid a repeat of this type of situation at all costs:
‘We want to avoid unexpected damage like during the prestigious HOOST project.’
A preventive approach for the new casino
Learning from past mistakes, Knokke-Heist is taking a preventative approach to the construction of the new casino. The team of independent experts will be responsible for overseeing every stage of the project, ensuring compliance with building standards and minimising risks to neighbouring structures. This approach is designed to protect the interests of residents and preserve the town’s architectural heritage.
The new Casino-Kursaal aims to become a symbol of modernity while honouring the legacy of architect Léon Stynen, who designed the original building between 1929 and 1931. The renovation plans to restore the historic connection with the sea, offering visitors an enriching experience that combines tradition and innovation.
Future prospects
With a completion date of 2032, the new casino project represents a significant investment for Knokke-Heist. The municipality is determined to carry out this project with rigour and transparency, putting in place strict control measures to avoid previous pitfalls. Their aim is to promote responsible urban development that respects the living environment of local residents and the local heritage.