The federal Brussels fund Beliris is launching a feasibility study into a large open-air swimming pool in the Brussels Canal and is asking for candidates eager to examine the prospect of such a development to come forward. The pool would be located between Sainctelette and Thurn & Taxis.
Will Brussels at last get its large outdoor swimming pool? Last Friday the Brussels fund Beliris launched a new study to examine whether such a large-scale pool is possible in the Brussels Canal, between Sainctelette and the Redersbrug.
In early 2023 the prospect of a feasibility study was announced. Just over a year and a half later, Beliris has now called on candidates to come forward. The Brussels Fund earlier defended the pace at which it was acting pointing to the ‘people and resources available’. ‘It also shows that there is no immediate political pressure to move forward on this dossier,’ says Gérald Ledent, acadedmic, architect and inventor of a canal swimming pool.
Seven Olympic swimming pools long
It was Prof Ledent, who contacted Brussels city council during the previous term with a proposal for such a pool. The architect and fan of outdoor swimming also carried out a preliminary study into such a pool.
The pool he proposed would measure 350 metres in length, i.e. the length of seven Olympic swimming pools, and 13 metres in width and be located in the canal, between Sainctelette and the Redersbrug. Water in the pool would come from the canal, but be purified using a huge plant filter. Shipping would still be able to navigate the canal beside the pool.
Beliris highlights the potential of the site of the proposed pool along the Aken Quay.
The Aken Quay is easily accessible from the city centre. Beliris says the quay has great potential to attract people and development. It is adjacent to the Kanal - Pompidou museum, the Kaaitheater and new private real estate developments. It is also part of a walking network connecting to the Maximilian Park, the ‘Allée du Kaai’ park and the Thurn & Taxis park.’
Candidates can apply until 3 December. Story to be continued!