An ambitious outdoor pool project enters the study phase
For years, the dream of an open-air swimming pool on the Brussels canal has faced logistical and political obstacles.
But on October 25, 2024, Beliris, the federal fund responsible for urban development in Brussels, launched a call for tenders for a feasibility study on the project. This initiative is part of a broader reflection on the redevelopment of the Quai des Péniches, a strategic area located between the Kanal Museum and the vibrant Tour & Taxis district.
This large-scale swimming pool project could transform this part of the city, providing Brussels residents with a swimming facility in the heart of the capital, between the Sainctelette footbridge and the Reders Bridge. However, its realisation will depend on the study’s findings, which will assess the project’s technical, financial, and environmental feasibility.
The study will also focus on the development potential of the area, which benefits from a strategic location and excellent accessibility. The Quai des Péniches is adjacent to cultural centers such as the Kaaitheater and the Kanal Museum, as well as recent private initiatives. This location could become a hub for leisure activities while contributing to urban revitalisation.
View of the Canal from Place des Armateurs
A bold concept envisioned by a committed architect
The idea for this pool, measuring 350 meters in length and 13 meters in width, was conceived by architect Gérald Ledent, a passionate advocate of outdoor swimming. Initially presented to the city during the previous legislative term, his project is based on a separation system in the canal, with one side dedicated to barge navigation and the other reserved for swimming. The plan includes a natural water filtration system, supported by a vegetation zone.
For Beliris, the pool project goes beyond a simple swimming area: the study will also analyse lowering the Quai des Péniches—a complex but necessary operation to integrate the pool harmoniously into its surroundings. This initial phase aims to clarify technical challenges and potential costs. If the results are favorable, a master plan will be developed, incorporating alternative scenarios for water treatment and infrastructure configurations.
Citizen participation and political challenges
The pool project is ambitious, but it comes with challenges. The need for outdoor swimming facilities in Brussels is evident, as demonstrated by the success of the temporary Flow pool managed by Pool is Cool. However, the initiative requires strong coordination and sustained political will to avoid becoming just another unfulfilled promise.
Local authorities emphasize the importance of citizen participation, allowing residents to share their expectations and concerns. While some find the prospect of a swimming area in the heart of the city enticing, others fear potential nuisances.
Other swimming initiatives, such as the natural pond in Neerpede or a rooftop pool at the Anderlecht slaughterhouse, highlight the growing interest in outdoor bathing. Yet, technical obstacles and resident concerns consistently pose significant challenges.
Proposals for the feasibility study are due by December 3, 2024. Beliris is seeking expert partners in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure engineering, aquatic ecology, and citizen participation. The selected consultancy firm must propose an innovative methodology to assess possibilities. If successful, this project could reshape Brussels, transforming its canal from a mere waterway into a vibrant space for life and leisure.
Currently, the capital has only one public outdoor swimming pool. This project could offer Brussels residents a refreshing and sustainable alternative, with the promise of someday diving into naturally treated water in the heart of their city.
