The iconic Ixelles public swimming pool, the oldest in the Brussels region, is scheduled to reopen this December following a nearly five-year-long renovation.
Originally built in 1904, the pool is known for its historic significance and architectural charm, being one of the first in the area to feature double-entry changing rooms. However, the facility had become outdated and energy inefficient, necessitating a complete overhaul.
The major renovation project commenced in September 2019, with the swimming pool closed to visitors. Initially, the works were expected to last about two years, with the reopening set for January 2024.
However, multiple delays pushed the opening date back, first to September 2024 and then to December. Now, the municipality confirms that the project is in its final stages and will welcome swimmers by the end of the year.
“No rest at the Ixelles swimming pool, where works are being completed,” announced Beliris, the public infrastructure company overseeing the renovation.
The new skylight is finished, the pool has been fully tiled, and waterproofing tests have been successfully conducted.
High-end water filtration and maintenance systems are being tested to ensure optimal water quality, marking a significant upgrade from the pool’s previous infrastructure.
The renovation, which cost approximately €8.5 million, saw 70% of the funding provided by federal sources through Beliris. The project’s scope extended beyond modernizing the pool’s technical facilities.
It also included enhancing accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility and adapting the pool for school swimming lessons.
Despite the extensive updates, many of the pool’s historic features, such as the original individual changing cabins on the balcony, have been carefully preserved to maintain its unique character.
The pool, now measuring 29.2 meters in length, 14.4 meters in width, and 3.25 meters in depth, will offer a fresh yet familiar experience for returning visitors.
The Ixelles municipality highlighted on its website that the final touches are being put on the new entrance, and a thorough cleaning of the site will be conducted before the reopening.
Romain De Reusme, the incoming mayor, confirmed to Bruzz that the renovation is on track to meet the December deadline. “Even in the worst-case scenario, if problems still arise, swimming will still be possible before the end of the year,” he assured.
The reopening of the Ixelles swimming pool is eagerly anticipated by the local community, which has long awaited the return of the beloved facility.
As one of Brussels’ oldest recreational landmarks, the pool’s revival is seen as a significant enhancement to the municipality’s cultural and sporting life, providing a modernized space for fitness, leisure, and school programs while retaining its historic charm.
With the new features and restored elements, the pool is set to once again become a prime destination for swimmers in Brussels, offering a blend of historic appeal and contemporary amenities.