"No water park, but a pool for our own residents": Sint-Katelie-Waver decides what the new swimming pool should look like

The municipality of Sint-Katelie-Waver is moving forward with its plan to construct a new swimming complex, setting clear guidelines for potential private partners. During a recent council meeting, the conditions for building and operating the facility were finalized, attracting interest from three major players: Lago, Sportoase, and Vayara/Optisports. The council's vision prioritizes a community-centric facility, ensuring that residents benefit directly. This includes offering lower prices for locals compared to outsiders, acknowledging their contribution through taxes. The design will feature a 25-meter pool and an instruction pool, crucially adding a children's pool to cater to young families. However, the municipality has explicitly ruled out large water slides, emphasizing a desire to avoid a crowded 'water park' atmosphere and maintain a focus on a more relaxed, community-oriented swimming experience. The project's location is central and accessible, though improvements for cyclist safety are planned. The partner will be required to engage a mobility expert to address traffic flow. With proposals due by the end of September, a decision is expected in spring 2027, paving the way for construction to commence in early 2028 and an anticipated opening by late 2029 or early 2030. This phased approach ensures continued access to swimming facilities via the existing, albeit older, pools until the new complex is ready.

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A swimming pool, that involves a lot of expertise. It is safer to hand that over to a partner who knows all about it. We will, of course, monitor the quality and pay a fixed amount annually for the construction, operation, and maintenance. In return, they will handle the operations.