Filling in
In the storm disaster in 1953, the port proved to be a weak spot in the seawall. The ‘coupure’, or cutting, which was meant to hold back the seawater at the top of Kaaistraat, collapsed with the result that seawater flooded the lower part of the town. Although nobody died as a result, there was widespread damage. Four years later, the 3 km long Pluimpot was closed off at its mouth, after which the harbour was filled in in 1962. The shipping channel between Sint-Maartensdijk and the dam became an area of natural beauty. With government support, an industrial park was built, to combat high local unemployment. The first business established itself here in the same year. This area was greatly expanded in the 1980s, including in the context of the foundation of multi-company buildings intended for starting entrepreneurs.
(To the right of the weighing house we see roofs of houses in the Kleine Kaaij)