Nieuwpoort and OVAM Collaborate on Swartesfabriek Redevelopment

The former industrial 'Swartesfabriek' site will be transformed into a sustainable living environment.

Luchtfoto van de site met kerktoren, kanaal, woonwijken en omliggende akkers. (vergroot foto)

© Stad Nieuwpoort

The City of Nieuwpoort and OVAM have signed a cooperation agreement for the redevelopment of the former Produits Chimiques de Nieuport (PCN) site, better known as the ‘Swartesfabriek’. The municipal council approved the agreement on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The site, located on Pieter Deswartelaan southeast of the center of Nieuwpoort, is named ‘Swartesfabriek’ in honor of its founder Pieter Deswarte. Following a long history of soil remediation, with OVAM carrying out various works since 2007, this agreement marks the starting point for a vision note.
Both partners aim to transform this industrial site and surrounding plots into a sustainable residential and living environment, with a specific focus on circular redevelopment. This includes attention to sustainable land use, material reuse, biodiversity, climate resilience, and a healthy living environment.
Through this initiative, Nieuwpoort City and OVAM wish to demonstrate that contaminated and abandoned sites can regain a meaningful place after remediation. More information for residents will follow in a later project phase.
Based on information from the official source: Stad Nieuwpoort (06/11/2026)