SAU to study the feasibility of plans for a rooftop swimming pool on the Abattoir site in Anderlecht

The Government of the Brussels-Capital Region last week gave the go-ahead in principle for the continuation of the study for the development of a multipurpose swimming pool (with indoor and outdoor pools) on the Abattoir site in Anderlecht. It also tasked the Urban Development Corporation (SAU) with carrying out a feasibility study in this context.

These decisions were taken by the Regional Government on the proposal of Minister-President Rudi Vervoort, Employment and Local Authorities Minister Bernard Clerfayt and Secretary of State for Urban Development Pascal Smet.

Minister Clerfayt told the media that the feasibility study entrusted to the SAU ‘is a first step in determining whether such a project is viable, including financially. It should provide answers to the questions that have to be asked about the financing and legal set-up and the technical constraints of the site.’ The idea is to install this swimming pool on the roof of the future Manufakture building that S.A. Abattoir is to construct behind the large historic slaughterhouse hall. The Brussels government expects the project to add to the city’s prestige with its architectural quality, to attract all types of swimmers and to be accessible to all Brussels residents, including schools. Minister-President Vervoort underlined in the press that ‘The objective is to make this project accessible to all in Brussels and meet the significant need for swimming pools in this part of the Region.’

The rooftop swimming pool plans are the fruit of a partnership with S.A. Abattoir, whose Manufakture project has received support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Brussels Region worth 10 million out of a total investment of 18 million euros. To avoid any delay in the works, the Flemish Community Commission decided last autumn to cover up to 1 million euros of additional costs relating to the strengthening of foundations and structures. 

The project represents part of an overall approach for the transformation of the local area; if it is carried out, it will coexist with an urban farm, aquaponics pools and Foodmet, the food hall with more than 50 stalls. To be consistent with a more sustainable and innovative approach, technical adaptations will be considered with a view to recovering residual heat from the food processing activities that are soon to be introduced on the site.

Over and beyond the project's innovative character in terms of architecture and energy use, Elke Tiebout, CEO of S.A. Abattoir, sees it as a major addition to the social landscape in Brussels and a response to a lack within the Capital Region: ‘Too many kids in Brussels no longer have the chance to learn to swim, and this new project is a plus point for our site, so we welcome it with enthusiasm!’

Secretary of State Pascal Smet said in the media that ‘This site will become a superb new location, and a swimming pool would fit perfectly into this urban setting. […] A fine example of combining urban functions, architecture and sustainability. I therefore hope that together, at all levels of power and across the various areas of competence, we will complete this magnificent project for the people of Brussels.’