Knokke-Heist (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A petition stands as the ice cream kiosk owners seek to gain support from the Knokke-Heist city council for their continued presence on the Zeedijk. The city has decided to retract kiosk privileges starting next year because the upcoming dike redesign plans are underway.
Eight ice cream kiosk operators at Zeedijk Knokke-Heist launched a petition to stop their removal by the year’s end after the city council decided to end agreements. The municipality chose not to renew concessions because they want to implement a long-term redesign of the dike that requires changes to future renovations.
Christian Walckiers, operator of the kiosk “La Toscana” in Het Zoute, expressed surprise at the decision, stating that customers have shown overwhelming support for keeping the kiosks.
According to the petition, there are multiple concerns that consumer queues will grow longer alongside reduced beach convenience when the kiosks disappear.
Christian Walkiers, who runs the ice cream kiosk ‘La Toscana’ on the dike at Albertplein in Het Zoute, reacts shocked. “During the summer months, many people come here from the beach to get an ice cream, waffle or a drink. This is bread theft. Without any consultation. A bolt from the blue. No one really understands this. Are the kiosks here, after a few decades, suddenly in the way?”
The operators of the kiosks have started a petition to change the city council’s mind. “We get a lot of support from our customers. If the kiosks disappear, there will be long queues in the summer to get an ice cream or a waffle from the beach. Between Heist and Het Zoute there are only 4 ice cream parlors in buildings on the dike.”
Some customers show their support. “We come to this kiosk every now and then to get an ice cream. I don’t understand why those kiosks have to go. They contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. Buying an ice cream on the dike, that’s wonderful.”
According to Bert De Brabandere (Inzicht), alderman for Beach, the removal of the ice cream kiosks fits into a long-term vision. “Since the concessions expire at the end of this year, this offers the flexibility to redesign the Zeedijk according to a vision for the future, without being bound by concession agreements.”
The alderman points out that there is an alternative for the operators of the ice cream kiosks. “If they want to stay on the Zeedijk, they can rent or buy a vacant building to run an ice cream parlor. For us, tackling the vacancy is important.”
Christian Walckiers has already looked at that option, but it is not feasible for him. “I can’t rent a vacant building on the Zeedijk here in Het Zoute for an ice cream parlor. The rents are so high that it wouldn’t be profitable for me.”
What alternatives exist for the ice cream Kiosks?
The municipality asserts the kiosks need removal to support future dike renovations, yet operators lack sufficient replacement options. According to Walckiers the high costs of permanent locations make them unaffordable for small business rental which leaves small business owners with no alternatives.
The circulating petition strives to change the city council’s mind regarding its decision through the remaining concession period termination date. The kiosks continue their last summer tourist season while customers express appreciation for the traditional beachside practice. Kiosk operators continue to talk with the municipality regarding the outcome while their future status remains undecided.
