The Bassin Vergote whispers tales of industry and ambition. Right here before you lies a legacy. It’s a story of a bustling port. A testament to Brussels’s ambition.
In the early 1900s the Bassin Vergote wasn’t here. The Willebroeck Canal was in a different location. It needed to be moved westward. This would directly connect it to the Charleroi Canal. King Leopold II laid the first stone in 1900. He launched the construction of Brussels’ new port. It was built outside the city walls. The grand opening was much later in 1922.
The construction firms Blaton Declercq and Lapierre built the Bassin Vergote. The Bassin Vergote officially opened in 1907. It was named after Auguste Vergote. He was the governor of Brabant. He was also president of the Canal and Maritime Installations company of Brussels. Vergote championed the project. The Bassin Vergote was an important part of his vision for a modern Brussels.
The Bassin Vergote was impressive. It was 950 meters long and 120 meters wide. It was 6.5 meters deep. Ocean-going vessels could use it. A rounded southeastern end allowed large ships to turn. They couldn’t navigate further south.
The docks were 75 meters wide. They had rail lines. Many cranes were present. They connected to the Tour and Taxis station. Construction companies used the area. So did wholesalers and cement factories. Recycling companies were also present. This was an era of industrial might and growth. The Bassin Vergote played a vital role. It showed Brussels’ place in the heart of European trade.
Today the Bassin Vergote stands as a monument. It represents a specific era of Brussels’ industrial past. The Bassin Vergote is a silent witness. It silently observes the evolution of the city. It still holds the echoes of bustling activity. The ghosts of ships’ horns and the clang of industry.