Imagine a land where the echoes of old factories meet the tranquility of rural landscapes. That’s Spiere-Helkijn. This small municipality in West Flanders holds stories of innovation and transformation. Spiere-Helkijn sits near Kortrijk, Oudenaarde, and Doornik. Its panoramic landscape invites you to wander. You can cycle or ride a horse along its many country lanes. The old railway embankment and the green banks of the Spiere Canal and the Schelde also await you.
Once upon a time, Spiere-Helkijn was a hub of activity. A railway line connected Oudenaarde and Moeskroen. A tram line also served the area. Both are long gone now. In 1920, the sluice complex of Spiere was built. It was an important hydraulic structure.
Not far away, in 1935, the Belgian State built an experimental water purification station. Its purpose was to clean polluted water from Northern France. Alas, it did not work well enough. Chemical impurities remained. The building was abandoned.
But that’s not the end of the story. The building was transformed into one of Belgium’s first open-air swimming pools. It brought joy to many. However, tragedy struck in 1958 when a swimmer drowned. The pool closed. The building fell into disrepair again. Today, it is a protected monument. The intermunicipal association Leiedal manages it. They are seeking a suitable new purpose for it.
Speaking of industry, let’s not forget the Suikerfabriek van Helkijn. It stood proudly along the canal. Camille De Smedt, the mayor of Helkijn, founded the factory in 1883. He partnered with the Delbecque family. The sugar factory operated until around 1930. In 1937, the Delbecque family bought the factory buildings. They established a wholesale business for grains and fertilizers. Today, the site serves as a depot for Walagri. One of the buildings still stands. It is next to the access road. It bears the inscription ‘Estaminet de la sucrerie’. It is a designated piece of immovable heritage.
Spiere-Helkijn is more than just a collection of historical sites. It is a place where you can connect with nature. You can walk, cycle, or ride a horse through the countryside. The municipality lies on the language border. It is a place where different cultures meet.
As you explore Spiere-Helkijn, remember its past. Remember the water purification station. Remember the Suikerfabriek. These places shaped the community. Spiere-Helkijn invites you to discover its hidden charms.