Brussels Revises Marollen Pool Renovation Plan.. Budget Limits Demand Smart Solutions

Brussels Updates Marollen Pool Plan Amid Budget Constraints

Renovation costs for the Baden in Marollen soared from 6.5 to nearly 16 million euros, prompting the city to reconsider its ambitious plans.

Marie Dupont4 hours agoLast Update : 4 hours ago

Stad Brussel herziet renovatie zwembad Marollen: 'Kunnen ons geen excessen veroorloven'

www.bruzz.be

The renovation project for the Baden van het Centrum in Brussels’ Marollen district has seen a dramatic rise in costs, raising concerns among local officials. Originally budgeted at 6.5 million euros, the project’s price tag soared to nearly 16 million euros, prompting a reevaluation of plans. This update comes as of 2025-06-20 12:53:00, reflecting the latest developments in the city’s infrastructure efforts.

6 Key Takeaways

Renovatieproject Baden Centrum kosten stijgen aanzienlijk
Stad plant werken start in 2025
Kostenstijging door complexe architecturale keuzes
Stadsbestuur annuleert project wegens financiële excessen
Voorganger bekritiseerd voor uitstel en slechte planning
Renovatieplannen worden herwerkt en vereenvoudigd

City councillor Frelinx announced the significant cost increase, attributing it to complex architectural and technical choices, including an expanded boxing gym, wider corridors, and a two-level sports hall. The city government, facing budget constraints, has now decided to scale back the project to focus on essential functions. What does this mean for the community, and how will the changes affect the timeline?

Fast Answer: Brussels’ Baden van het Centrum renovation costs nearly doubled, forcing the city to revise plans and delay work, impacting local sports and community facilities in the Marollen neighbourhood.

Why did the renovation costs escalate so sharply, and what are the implications for Brussels residents? The answer lies partly in ambitious design choices and partly in project delays. Key points include:

Initial budget based on a developer’s offer was 6.5 million euros, rising to 7.8 million euros during design.
New plans introduced costly features like a two-storey sports hall and expanded facilities.
Previous project delays under former councillor Benoit Hellings contributed to cost inflation.
Current focus is on cutting excesses and prioritizing essential renovations amid tight budgets.

This budget revision highlights the challenges Belgian cities face balancing ambitious urban projects with fiscal responsibility, especially in neighbourhoods like Marollen that rely on public amenities.

Looking ahead, Brussels authorities must carefully redesign the Baden van het Centrum renovation to meet community needs without overspending. Will the revised plans satisfy local expectations? Residents and stakeholders should stay engaged as the project moves toward a more sustainable and timely execution.