The renovated Neptunium in Schaerbeek
The Neptunium Pool in Schaerbeek, an architectural and cultural landmark of the commune, reopened its doors on September 16, 2023, after six years of renovations. This long-awaited event was celebrated with great fanfare, gathering officials such as Minister Karine Lalieux, the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region Rudi Vervoort, and the Mayor of Schaerbeek, Cécile Jodogne. During the inauguration, guests were treated to synchronized swimming performances, symbolizing this new chapter for the Neptunium and the Schaerbeek community.
A major renovation
Inaugurated in 1957, the Neptunium Pool is a typical example of post-war modernist style. However, the age of its installations required urgent modernisation.
The project, led by STRABAG Belgium, involved six years of meticulous work, including asbestos removal, interventions on the concrete structures, waterproofing, and a complete overhaul of the electrical systems and heating to meet modern safety and sustainability standards. The initial costs, estimated at 7.6 million euros, eventually climbed to 17 million euros due to various technical challenges and unforeseen issues.
Balancing modernity and heritage
La rénovation du Neptunium a soigneusement respecté le patrimoine architectural du bâtiment, conservant notamment les hublots et les angles arrondis rappelant la proue d’un navire. Ce souci de préservation est associé à une modernisation importante, garantissant une expérience sûre et agréable pour les nageurs : un système de surveillance avec caméras sous-marines a été ajouté pour renforcer la sécurité, et des zones spécifiques pour les pieds nus et les chaussures ont été aménagées pour maximiser l’hygiène.
L’efficacité énergétique a également été une priorité, avec l’installation de pompes à chaleur, de chaudières à condensation et une isolation optimisée pour le toit et les murs, réduisant ainsi l’empreinte écologique de la piscine.
The renovation of the Neptunium carefully respected the architectural heritage of the building, retaining elements such as portholes and rounded angles reminiscent of the prow of a ship. This attention to preservation was coupled with significant modernization, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for swimmers: a monitoring system with underwater cameras was added for enhanced security, and specific areas for barefoot and shoe-wearing transitions were created to maximize hygiene.
Energy efficiency was also a priority, with the installation of heat pumps, condensing boilers, and optimised insulation for the roof and walls, thus reducing the ecological footprint of the pool.
A positive impact for russels and Schaerbeek
With this reopening, the Neptunium Pool contributes to meeting the growing demand for aquatic facilities in the Brussels-Capital Region. It has become a popular leisure and wellness destination for all, making it a favored spot for residents of Schaerbeek and the surrounding area, thereby adding an extra layer to the communal life of the commune.
The reopening of the Neptunium Pool represents much more than the return of aquatic activities to Schaerbeek—it embodies the revival of local heritage with a modern and sustainable perspective, serving all citizens.
