Knokke-Heist has a very strong identity. How can a city preserve that identity while continuing to reinvent itself?

Bert De Brabandere. – “That’s a question we think about constantly. For us, the answer is that heritage has to stay something people do, not something we put behind glass. The local ‘Babelutte’ candy only means something because people still make it and eat it; the Zoute Beach Flower Festival only matters because families keep coming back.

So when we invest in the future, e.g. a new casino, public squares, a community house and protecting our dunes and coastline, we make sure those new spaces host our traditions. That way, nothing feels replaced. It just keeps growing.

Art and culture play an important role in Knokke-Heist’s identity. What impact do they have on the city’s attractiveness?

“Art and culture aren’t just decoration here – they’re part of how Knokke-Heist defines itself. When you commission Jakob+Macfarlane for a community house, or bring in Tab Architects and Barozzi Veiga for the new casino, or Neutelings Riedijk Architects for the Heldentoren, you’re turning civic buildings into landmarks in their own right. Add over forty public artworks by names like Antony Gormley, Franz West and Panamarenko, and the whole town becomes an open-air gallery. That’s a huge draw: visitors come not just for the coast, but to experience architecture and art woven into everyday life.

At a time when destinations compete to attract visitors, talent and entrepreneurs, what do you believe makes Knokke-Heist stand out?

“What sets Knokke-Heist apart is that we offer all the advantages of a city without its drawbacks. We’re a coastal town where beach meets polders, with over 100 restaurants, shops open every day of the week, and top-quality education – a real recipe for work-life balance. We’re also exceptionally well connected: three train stations, easy access to the motorway network, and even a heliport for a quick hop to Brussels Airport. That means you can live by the sea while working in Ghent, Antwerp or Brussels. It’s this combination of quality of life and connectivity that makes us stand out.”