Nieuwpoort-Bad and the SIMLI district: Origins and Development

Location of Nieuwpoort-Bad

Nieuwpoort-Bad is located west of the IJzer estuary and forms the first seaside resort of the West Coast of the Belgian coast, extending to the French border. The resort is bordered by the North Sea, the Kinderlaan (Oostduinkerke), the Victorlaan, the Kattesas and the harbor channel.

Role of the Crombez family

History of Nieuwpoort-Bad

Jonker Benoit-Georges-Alexis Crombez, born on July 17, 1785 in Leuze and died on January 13, 1854 in Tournai, was a Tournaisian industrialist who played an important role in the development of Nieuwpoort-Bad. He married Henriette Lefebvre on Sept. 18, 1811, and together they had seven children.

On July 30, 1830, Crombez purchased 542 acres, 85 are and 10 centiare of land in Nieuwpoort-Bad and Groenendijk for the sum of 122,850 francs. Later this property grew to 833 acres, 93 are and 26 centiare. In 1839 he expanded his property to include the dune area of Lombardsijde. After his death, his widow inherited the usufruct of the land, while his youngest son Benjamin obtained bare ownership of the land in Nieuwpoort-Bad by notarial deed in 1862. Henriette, however, retained the usufruct.

On April 21, 1864, the mayor of Nieuwpoort, Frans Norbertus Van Baeckel, together with some prominent citizens, founded the seaside resort “Nieuwpoort-Zeebaden” through the company “La Société Anonyme de Nieuport-Bains. The seaside resort initially relied heavily on the goodwill of the Crombez family, especially Benjamin Crombez. He soon ceded a stretch of dunes for the construction of the first pavilion, “Le Pavilion des Bains.” In 1865, a three-kilometer-long connecting road was built between Nieuwpoort City and the sea.

On June 2, 1867, Henriette Lefebvre transferred her usufruct to Benjamin Crombez. The Diksmuide-Nieuwpoort railroad line was extended into the seaside resort in 1869, which stimulated further development. Under the direction of architect Thielens, a plan was drawn up in 1867 in which the dunes were divided into regular blocks. This resulted in a chessboard pattern of streets, formed by the Zeedijk, Albert I avenue, Franslaan and Elisalaan. The plots were sold primarily to families personally approved by Benjamin Crombez, often people of distinction or wealth. The buyers included prominent people such as notary Jules-Aimé de Brauwere and mayor Van Baeckel. This exclusivity stood in the way of mass tourism.

When Benjamin Crombez realized in 1890 that only 42 villas had been built after 30 years, he entrusted the operation of the resort to the limited liability company “Grands Hôtels et Villas de Nieuport-Bains” in 1893. To attract new buyers, land prices were lowered and building regulations relaxed. Nevertheless, the strict conditions remained a brake on development. When he died on Aug. 23, 1902, Nieuwpoort-Bad had only 83 villas, 7 hotels, 7 stores and a casino.

Establishment and development

The SIMLI district

On December 22, 1928, Henri Crombez Sr., Benjamin's cousin, sold 93 hectares of dune land to the newly founded company “La Société Immobiliére et Mobiliére du Littoral” (SIMLI). This company developed a residential neighborhood south of Elisalaan, around Guido Gezelle Square, with an elitist layout. The neighborhood was laid out in the 1950s-1960s with winding avenues and a preservation of the dune landscape.

Within the so-called “Callebout site,” near August Oleffelaan, architect Peter Callebout designed ten modernist homes between 1954 and 1956. These properties each have a unique architectural appearance that differs greatly from the rest of the SIMLI neighborhood. According to consultation with the Real Estate Heritage Agency in 2011, these homes should be preserved and, where possible, upgraded. Later, the neighborhood was extended into the agricultural area up to Victor Avenue.

Boundary changes and political issues.

In 1947, a minority of residents lobbied for Nieuwpoort-Bad to be transferred from Oostduinkerke to Nieuwpoort. This finally happened on May 19, 1949 by Prince's Decree, officially annexing Nieuwpoort-Bad (433 hectares) to Nieuwpoort. Previous attempts to change the border had failed before then, partly due to resistance from Mayor Brassinne of Oostduinkerke and the inhabitants of Nieuwpoort-Bad themselves.

The Belle Époque and tourism

In the mid-19th century, the West Coast, between the IJzer estuary and the French border, was an untouched area that was slowly being discovered. Its natural beauty attracted few tourists at first, but later it inspired countless artists. Literati, painters, sculptors and composers found inspiration in the harsh sea climate, harsh fishing life and vacation atmosphere. Despite the ravages of both World Wars, Nieuwpoort-Bad remained a place of innovation and artistic expression.

Conclusion

Nieuwpoort-Bad and the SIMLI district have a rich history of exclusive development, political wrangling and tourist progress. They represent a unique balance between heritage preservation and modernization, contributing to the special character of our beautiful coastal municipality.

Unique and deeply rooted

Olivier Platteau on his deep connection to Nieuwpoort-Bad

My bond with Nieuwpoort-Bad and the SIMLI neighborhood is unique and deeply rooted. As a child of the neighborhood, I spent my entire childhood here. I am the son of the general doctor who is known and appreciated by many, and the grandson of a contractor who played an important role in building several villas in the neighborhood. This legacy has strengthened my connection to the neighborhood and is an essential part of who I am.

Because of my background, I know every street and almost every resident or owner in the neighborhood. This makes me not only a privileged witness to the evolution of Nieuwpoort-Bad, but also a connoisseur of its unique character and community. As an exclusive sales broker, I have made this knowledge my life's work. My personal approach allows me to support sellers in finding the right buyer for their property. At the same time, as a buyer's broker, I focus on finding people who share the same vision and love for the neighborhood.

My goal is to further develop Nieuwpoort-Bad and the SIMLI neighborhood as a place where residents and future owners share the same passion. Through my expertise and personal dedication, I want to help preserve the neighborhood's unique identity and ensure that it continues to be cherished by future generations.