The city of Vilvoorde and the municipality of Machelen are jointly launching a feasibility study into the construction of a new inter-municipal swimming pool.
Both local governments announced this on Thursday during a press conference at Vilvoorde City Hall.
According to a study conducted by the architecture and engineering firm Artabel, the current swimming pool in Vilvoorde has reached the end of its useful life.
Earlier this year, the study concluded that further investment in the existing infrastructure does not offer a sustainable solution in the long term. At the same time, maintenance and energy costs continue to rise.
Over the past few months, Vilvoorde has explored various options, including a partnership with Sport Vlaanderen and surrounding municipalities regarding a swimming pool project in Hofstade.
The city council ultimately decided not to pursue that option and has chosen to develop its own project in collaboration with Machelen.
The feasibility study is intended to provide clarity on the location, financial viability, and concrete design of the swimming pool.
According to both municipal administrations, the new pool must be easily accessible to residents, schools, and swimming clubs in both municipalities.
Vilvoorde Mayor Jo De Ro emphasises that the focus is on accessibility, proximity, and quality for residents and organisations. "This way, we retain control and can develop an offering that optimally meets the needs of Vilvoorde residents, with special attention to school-age children and swimming clubs," he says.
Sports Councillor Laure Scheerlinck calls the partnership with Machelen "a logical choice" given the proximity and the young population in both municipalities. "We are delighted to take the next step toward building a new swimming pool together with the municipality of Machelen," she says.
Machelen Mayor Jean-Pierre De Groef also speaks of a logical collaboration and refers to the ambition to allow residents to swim at an affordable rate. According to him, the study should also lead to "the best possible location and a clear picture of financial feasibility."
The councillor involved also emphasise that the financial impact was thoroughly examined.
"The swimming pool is the largest investment of this legislative term and, at the same time, an investment that commits the city for thirty years," says Vilvoorde’s councillor for Finance, Jeroen Bergers. "Thanks to the thorough analysis we conducted and the collaboration with Machelen, this is now possible in our own city."
Finally, the administrations say they are mindful of the staff at the current swimming pool.
"We understand that this period of uncertainty raises questions among the staff and that there is a need for clarity," says Scheerlinck. "It is a top priority for us to offer them prospects and to create certainty for all employees regarding the future."
