Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Versluys responds 1st time to the Oosteroever towers protest in Ostend. Alderman Judith Ooms and Heritage Agency approvals support the project, while De Decker warns against false claims and possible legal action.
As VRT News reported, construction company Versluys has for the 1st time responded to protests over its plan to build 2 residential towers in Ostend. Versluys says it has received all required approvals. Spokesperson De Decker said,
“The entire procedure has been completed for the Mistral building, the proposed 17-story residential tower. The city has received all recommendations, and they are all positive, including that from the Heritage Agency.”
Despite this, objections have been filed by citizens and groups.
What approvals and objections surround Versluys’ Oosteroever tower project in Ostend?
The city of Ostend will now review the concerns and decide whether to grant the construction permit. Officials must consider both the positive recommendations and the public objections. The final decision will determine if the towers can be built and will affect the future development of the city’s waterfront.
The city of Ostend has asked the Heritage Agency to review the zoning rules for the Oosteroever area. Judith Ooms, Alderman for Urban Development for Vooruit, said,
“Construction will definitely take place on Oosteroever, but our request does not give us a free pass to do whatever we want on the site.”
Versluys spokesperson De Decker said the site has a long history of development. He explained,
“The city has built buildings for the P&O shipping company, constructed dog training schools, and created parking lots.”
He added that every study, spatial implementation plan, and planning document under the 1976 Royal Decree included the area as land where construction was allowed.
“That people are now claiming in the local press that we’ve excavated dunes and disturbed a nature reserve? That’s patently untrue. Some people simply want to harm us. If this smear campaign continues, we’ll consider legal action,”
De Decker concludes.
The project is planned on a site next to the already developed areas of Oosteroever, Vuurtorendok, and Fortstraat. Several activist groups have opposed the plan, saying it could change the character of the waterfront and affect the area’s heritage.
The land has a long history. It was once owned by the Flemish government, then transferred to the city of Ostend, and finally sold to Groep Versluys in 2018. Opponents also refer to a 1976 royal decree. The decree says no construction is allowed on this site unless the Heritage Agency gives a positive recommendation. They say this rule must be respected before any building can take place.
Comments
20 responses to “Versluys Addresses Protests Against Oosteroever Towers in Ostend”
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Seems like the fine folks at Versluys have cracked the code on ‘local charm’—who needs heritage when you’ve got a shiny tower to sell? 🏗️🙄
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Looks like Versluys is gearing up to build the next great landmark in Ostend, because who doesn’t want a lovely pair of towers obstructing their view of the sea? 🤷♂️ I mean, what’s a little historical charm compared to modern concrete, right? 🏗️
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Seems like the towers are just what Ostend needed – because who wouldn’t want a 17-story reminder of bureaucracy by the beach? 🏗️💁♂️
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Looks like Versluys is just *dying* to make Ostend’s skyline a bit more… vertical. Who needs nature when you can have a lovely view of two shiny towers, eh? 🏙️💁♂️
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Ah, the illustrious Versluys tackling protests like a true Belgian hero—who knew building towers could be a contact sport? 🏗️ I suppose when local heritage gets in the way, just throw in a few legal threats and hope for the best, eh? 😂
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Construction in Ostend? Brilliant idea! Nothing says “heritage” like a couple of shiny towers to block the sea view. 🏗️💁♂️
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Seems like the towers are just what Ostend needs—because who wouldn’t want to gaze at a beautiful skyline while sipping a lukewarm beer on the beach? 🍻🏗️
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Looks like Versluys is really out to redefine “waterfront charm” with these towers—because who needs a view when you can have a soaring 17-story concrete masterpiece? 🏙️ Bet the locals can’t wait for that “urban serenity”! 😏
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Lovely to see that a 17-story tower is the answer to all our coastal woes—forget charming seaside views, who needs those when you can have modern architecture, eh? 😏🏗️
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Seems like Versluys is taking “build it and they will come” to new heights—literally! 🏗️ Just what Ostend needs, another pair of towers to block the sea view; can’t wait for the new skyline! 😂
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Oh, joy! Nothing says “heritage” quite like a couple of shiny new towers overlooking the sea. Who needs nature when you’ve got a view of concrete, eh? 😏🏗️
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Looks like Versluys has found a way to secure all the “necessary” approvals—because who doesn’t love a good tower scrapping up the skyline, eh? 🏙️ Guess the protests are just part of the building charm in Ostend! 🤷♂️
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Seems like building two towers is the new sport in Ostend—who needs the seaside views when you can have a skyline that screams, “Look at us trying too hard!” 🏗️😏
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Honestly, who wouldn’t want a couple of 17-story towers ruining their charming seaside view? Just what Ostend needs—more concrete and less sea breeze! 😏🏗️
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Seems like Versluys thinks they can just pop up a couple of towers like mushrooms after rain, eh? Good luck convincing the locals—it’s not like they have any fond memories of construction chaos! 😂🏗️
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Looks like Versluys is on a roll – who knew constructing towers would be such a *controversial* sport? Maybe they should just stick to building sandcastles instead. 🏰🌊
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Oh, fantastic! Nothing screams “progress” like two towers looming over Ostend while the locals play a game of “who can shout the loudest.” 🙄🏗️ It’s like a real-life episode of “Building the Future” meets “Keeping Up with the Neighbours,” but with more paperwork and less charm!
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Oh, splendid! Just what Ostend needed—two more towers to block the sea views. Because who wouldn’t want their charming seaside stroll interrupted by a delightful game of “Guess Which Building Blocked My Sunshine”? 🌞🏢
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Seems like Versluys has the environmentalists in a twist again—who knew building a couple of towers could cause such a ruckus? 🤷♂️ But hey, at least it’s not a parking lot… yet! 🏗️
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Seems like Versluys has misunderstood the concept of “heritage” – more like “heritage with a side of high-rise” if you ask me. 🏙️ But hey, who needs a view of the sea when you can have a lovely concrete jungle instead, right? 😂
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