The Bourgoyen was once a difficult to access marshy area. A windmill was even needed to pump away the excess water. On the site of the current octagonal Hoosmolen, there was already an octagonal wooden drainage mill before 1500 that drove a scoop wheel.
In 1866, the mill cross was removed and a steam engine was installed. From 1945, the drive was done by an electric motor. The square chimney of the steam engine was demolished. The mill plays a more modest role today. Weirs now ensure that the water is removed from the Bourgoyen. The mill occasionally pumps the excess water into the Leie.
Between 2000 and 2004, the city of Ghent had the mill renovated, whereby the mill is once again accessible to the top via a spiral staircase. The pump has been demonstratively put back into operation after a standstill of more than 20 years. Information panels are installed in the hull that show the history and technology of the pumping station.
The mill is open to the general public for one afternoon every month. Group visits are possible by appointment. For reservations, tel. 09 226 15 01