Puurs-Sint-Amands (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Stichting Kempens Landschap seeks millers who will operate the Gansakkermolen located in Puurs-Sint-Amands. The mill operated in Geel for numerous centuries until builders reconstructed it along the Scheldt River in Sint-Amands. Grinding flour for breadmaking is the priority function at this location.
Stichting Kempens Landschap needs qualified mill operators to operate the Gansakkermolen historic mill at Puurs-Sint-Amands. Since its centuries-old presence in Geel, the mill has been relocated to build a new structure in Sint-Amands by the banks of the Scheldt River. The mill focuses on producing flour for bread baking while maintaining both conservation and operational purposes.
The Gansakkermolen’s transition to Sint-Amands originated from the historical significance of milling activities in that region. Ronny Tourné, who serves as an alderman for Heritage in Puurs-Sint-Amands, notes that a mill existed along the Scheldt from the 13th century until it was destroyed in 1903. The Royal Society for Nature and Urban Beauty (KVNS) organised to move the weathered Gansakkermolen from Geel to Sint-Amands. The similarity of the Geel mill to its historical origin facilitated Sint-Amand’s landscape restoration and visitor traffic growth from walkers and cyclists despite no direct connections between both sites. Stichting Kempens Landschap oversees mill operations at present.
“Along the Scheldt in Sint-Amands, there has been a mill since the 13th century, but it was demolished in 1903,”
The alderman tells his story.
“Thanks to the Royal Society for Nature and Urban Beauty (KVNS), the old and dilapidated Gansakkermolen from Geel came here.”
The Geelse mill had nothing to do with Sint-Amands but looks very much like the mill that used to be there.
“In this way, the landscape has been restored and we can attract walkers and cyclists,”
Says Tourné. In the meantime, the mill has been transferred to Stichting Kempens Landschap.
Unfortunately, there are no millers in Sint-Amands yet.
“It is a truly old craft,”
Says the alderman.
“You don’t just become a miller. First you have to do a 2-year internship and follow a training, only then can you bear the title of miller.”
The neighbourhood is already happy with the new view of the mill.
“Very beautiful, you can see it from far away,”
Says Frans, who lives a bit further away.
“During the day you can see the deer walking around it and in the evening it is also lit up.”
“The mill could attract more walkers and cyclists, but the municipality has already reassured us: the intention is not for us to be overrun by tourists here.”
What is the history of Gansakkermolen’s relocation?
The town of Puurs-Sint-Amands welcomed the Gansakkermolen from Geel to help revive an extinct milling tradition. Belgium has a long history of milling because researchers have documented 1,500 windmills and watermills throughout the country. Time has eroded most of these structures, so today, about 100 mills remain functional. History records a Scheldt river mill in Sint-Amands that dates back to the 13th century, but it was dismantled in 1903.
The Royal Society for Nature and Urban Beauty (KVNS) organised the Gansakkermolen’s relocation to recover the surroundings. The layout of the mill accurately duplicates its historical design to maintain traditional architectural features across the site. The Belgian milling history receives annual recognition during Heritage Day and Open Monument Day, when the nation celebrates both its cultural heritage and industrial legacy.
