Ninove (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Forza Ninove cancelled the €15 million Sportoase deal for the De Kleine Dender pool, calling it too costly. The city will pay €1.1 million in damages, says alderman Malika Sclacmender.
As VRT News reported, Forza Ninove has decided to cancel the renovation of the De Kleine Dender swimming pool. Sports alderman Malika Sclacmender said ending the contract will save the city from a large financial burden. She said the agreement could have cost Ninove between €95 million and €120 million over 30 years. By terminating the deal, the city must pay Sportoase €1.1 million in damages.
What will happen to Ninove’s pool after € the €15M deal is cancelled?
Officials mentioned that it is now uncertain if a new swimming pool will be built at the site in the future. Meanwhile, the city has reached an agreement with the Aquatopia swimming pool in Aalst. Residents of Ninove can use the pool there at a discounted rate.
“If an affordable alternative presents itself, we will certainly investigate it,”
says Sclacmender.
The cancellation of the Sportoase agreement has caused anger among opposition parties. Former mayor Tania De Longe of Positief Ninove said the decision is hard to understand.
“Ending the partnership with Sportoase after a year of delays instead of restarting it is inexplicable,”
she said.
She added that the city now has to pay a large amount in damages. De Longe also said that a new swimming pool could be years away, or may never be built. Surrounding municipalities were also hoping to use the pool. She said they could have contributed to the project to make it possible.
The De Kleine Dender swimming pool in Ninove closed in March 2023 because the building was outdated and in poor condition. In October 2023, the city signed an agreement with Sportoase to build and run a new swimming pool worth €15 million. Ninove would pay €1.7 million each year for 30 years. After the 2024 municipal elections, Forza Ninove won a full majority and decided in October 2025 to cancel the deal.
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