North Sea Aquarium becomes hip catering business
The shrimp mine with its exceptional location on the Oostendse Visserskaai, just next to the fish ladder, dates back to 1958. In Ostend, the strange building is mainly known as an old North Sea aquarium. After years of neglect, they are now going to refurbish it. Filip Jans, future manager: “Yes, I think this place should definitely become something beautiful. That is a very beautiful building and a very beautiful location with a great culture inside.”
Inside you can still see the remains. The fine aquarium of yesteryear closed 4 years ago because it was no longer in order. Ostend is now granting the property a 10-year concession for a symbolic euro. Significant investments are required, however. The renovation and renovation will take 1 year and cost more than 600,000 euros. There will be a modern catering business where you can certainly get fish and shrimp dishes. It should also become a meeting place with a long bar.
Mayor Bart Tommelein: “The North Sea Aquarium is located in a very important location. With a view of the Vistrap and barely 80 meters from Ostend fishing boats that deliver daily fresh fish, I cannot imagine a better location for this culinary project. With this ‘Shrimp Mine’ we can introduce everyone to our culinary heritage: the gray shrimp.”