Duffel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Duffel plans to construct a new public swimming pool, citing the outdated condition of the current facility. The project aims to modernize local infrastructure.
The current, antiquated municipal pool will be replaced by the new one.
“It will be in the same location, so we will be without a pool for two years,”
says Mayor Sofie Joosen (N-VA).
The administrative agreement has been offered by the Belgium municipal council of Duffel. The municipality plans to construct a new swimming pool, according to the statement.
According to Mayor Sofie Joosen (N-VA), this is desperately required.
“The current swimming pool dates from 1965. Despite numerous renovations, the building is starting to incur significant costs. For example, during the Easter holidays, we had to close unexpectedly for 14 days. That’s far from ideal.”
The new pool will be located in the same spot as the current one.
“It’s the best location at our sports center. This way, the many schools in the area can walk to the pool,”
says Joosen.
“Unfortunately, this means there will be no swimming pool for two years,”
says the mayor.
“Schools and swimming clubs will have to find a solution during this period. We, the municipality, will support them as much as possible during this period.”
The new Duffel swimming pool is scheduled for completion in 2029.
“It will be a functional 25-meter pool. We will also be meeting with the sports council to gather their input on the new pool,”
says the mayor.
The Flemish government is helping to build the swimming pool. The entire cost is still unknown.
How will the municipality support residents and swimming clubs during the two-year closure period?
During the anticipated two-year closure of the Duffel municipal swimming pool for reconstruction, the municipality is expected to adopt several strategies to support residents and swimming clubs, drawing on approaches used in similar contexts across Belgium.
The municipality typically partners with neighboring towns and sports facilities to arrange dedicated swimming hours for Duffel residents and clubs. Examples could include bookings in Mechelen, Lier, or Sint-Katelijne-Waver, depending on capacity and proximity.
Special shuttle services or organized carpooling can be arranged, especially for school groups and sports teams, ensuring continued access to swimming lessons and competitive training in the absence of a local facility.
