2023-09-16 13:15:00
It was a long-term job. More than six years following its closure for renovations, the Neptunium, the Schaerbeek swimming pool, finally opens its changing rooms and pools to swimmers from this Monday. Thomas Eraly (Ecolo), sports alderman, discusses the reasons for this wait. “We had covid, the delays which exploded for the delivery of certain materials. There was also the discovery of asbestos during the construction site. This required special treatment which extended the deadlines.” From now on, Schaerbeek has its modernist-style swimming pool built in the 1950s but with a nice facelift. For the occasion, BRASS synchronized swimming athletes were able, this Saturday, to inaugurate the pool with a demonstration. Here’s what you need to know regarding reopening.
“We’re not going to freeze anymore”
The work notably made it possible to redo the insulation and the roof of the building. The old boilers were also changed. “No more curdling when we get out of the pool, we won’t freeze anymore” rejoices the alderman. Before it was single glazing and when the temperatures were in the negative outside, you might feel it inside.” In terms of energy, the savings in consumption will therefore be considerable. Not sure, however, that we will achieve financial savings. “With the rise in energy costs since the closure, we don’t yet know how to calculate how much this will cost us in energy bills.”
The surroundings of the 33-meter pool, the 16-meter pool (the educational one) as well as the changing rooms have also been redone for “a better experience.” Total capacity: 200 swimmers simultaneously.
“One night and two mornings”
The swimming pool was intended to be open as much as possible to schools to teach young people from Schaerbeek their first breaststroke movements. From Monday to Friday, all mornings are reserved for schoolchildren. On Saturday morning the swimming pool is closed but remains open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. “We were the most closed swimming pool in Brussels before the work, now it’s the opposite,” laughs the alderman who announces two new features. There will now be morning shows from 7 a.m. to 8:20 a.m., open to the public before the arrival of schoolchildren on Mondays and Fridays. For those who prefer evenings, Neptunium will offer one evening per week on Tuesdays until 10 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m. the rest of the week. Please note that during the week (except Wednesday), the swimming pool closes its doors between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The swimming pool saw the first swims and crawls of several generations of children – and adults – from Schaerbeek. Located at 56-58 rue de Jerusalem, the municipal swimming pool welcomes the public in its 33 m pool and also has a learning pool measuring 16 by 8 m. ©cameriere ennio
In terms of prices: “we remain within the regional average”
All this work will have cost much more than expected. “We had a budget that did not exceed 10 million euros at launch.” Ultimately, there were 12 million euros disbursed by Beliris (the federal support fund for Brussels) and 6 million by the municipality. “A swimming pool is like a school, it’s priceless. The financial side should not be a hindrance.”
However, for swimmers, it is also increasing. “We are above the prices charged before the closure but we remain within the regional average and the service has greatly improved.” Allow 3.30 euros for entry as a Schaerbeekois and 4.50 for non-residents of the municipality. Annual subscription for residents of the city of donkeys: 200 euros. Reduced rates for under 18s, seniors and students also exist.
For those who are already in a hurry to take a dip, the swimming pool opens to the public this Monday from 7 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. before welcoming students all morning.
Other work might also happen in the “medium term”. The refreshment bar and other locker rooms in the building are expected to undergo renovations.
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