The ambitious plan to build a 350-metre open-air swimming pool in the Brussels canal, initiated by former Sports Alderman Benoît Hellings (Ecolo), has been officially abandoned. The new city majority deemed the project unrealistic, though the idea of an outdoor pool in Brussels remains alive.
A project considered too costly and impractical
The pool was to be built in the canal near the Quai des Péniches. At 350 metres long, it would have matched seven Olympic pools in a row. Feasibility studies had been conducted, and the first construction phase was scheduled for 2026.
Florence Frelinx (MR), the new Deputy Mayor in charge of Sports, has cancelled the project, citing budgetary constraints and environmental concerns.
Such infrastructure, beyond its high cost, would likely pose significant ecological challenges. And do we really need a 350-metre-long pool?
Outdoor pool still on the agenda
Although this specific project is cancelled, the city coalition agreement still supports the creation of a new open-air swimming facility in Brussels.
The city is actively exploring a public-private partnership to develop a more realistic version of the idea. Several locations are under consideration:
- Quai Béco
- Quai des Péniches (alternative setup)
- Quai des Matériaux
The goal is to find a private partner to handle the funding, management, and maintenance of the future infrastructure.
A real need for open-air pools in Brussels
Currently, Flow is the only public outdoor swimming pool in Brussels. Operated by the non-profit Pool is Cool at Pont Marchand, it will unfortunately close after the 2025 season due to lack of funds and energy.
Other projects remain under consideration:
- A rooftop pool on the TIR centre, along the canal
- A swimming pool on the roof of the Anderlecht slaughterhouse
- A natural swimming pond in Neerpede (facing local opposition)
