De geschiedenis van 'den Ouwen Dok'

First ideas

The first ideas about the construction of a swimming pool date back to 1869. However, it took more than 50 years before the city actually had a public swimming pool. Financial reasons may have played a role in this delay.

German occupation

The German occupation accelerated the construction of a full-fledged urban swimming pool. To prevent the German occupiers from requisitioning local labor, the city council used them for several major infrastructure projects, including the construction of a swimming pool.

Architect Van Haesendonck

The Mechelen architect August Van Haesendonck (1861-1935) would draw up the plans for this swimming pool. The city council had more in mind than just a swimming pool. Parallel to the increasing scientific insights of that time, the council realized the importance of good physical hygiene for general well-being. Since the majority of homes did not have a bathroom, the city council also wanted to build bathrooms.

Construction

In 1916 the works began with the construction of the swimming pool and the adjacent storage cellars. After the construction of the swimming pool, it was covered in the fall of 1917 with an impressive metal truss with large glass panels at the top allowing daylight to flood in. Two levels with changing rooms were set up on the left and right sides of the pool. Thanks to the Mechelen furniture industry, there were many skilled woodworkers who created real masterpieces from the wooden changing rooms and the doors of the hall.

Condensation problems

Shortly after the opening of the swimming pool, problems arose. The humidity posed a threat to the roof and the wooden changing rooms. In 1953, the metal roof was dismantled and replaced with a flat roof. The galleries with the changing rooms were also demolished. The interior of the swimming pool was renovated again in 1970-1971.

Vacancy

In 1997 the complex was protected as a monument but the presence of asbestos and stability issues necessitated the closure of the swimming facility in 2001.noodzakelijk.

Piscine Crachoir

The vacant building captured the imagination of amateur photographers who came to capture the decay. The search term 'piscine crachoir' still yields masses of photos to this day.

Repurposing

In 2010 the building had deteriorated to such an extent that the City decided to pursue a dual track. It decided to tackle the restoration of the exterior with the support of the Flemish government and simultaneously search for a private partner for repurposing.

Hotel Van der Valk

After completing the exterior restoration in October 2017, the city council sold the building to Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen. The new owner transformed the complex into a four-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, and meeting and event rooms. After an interior renovation of a year and a half, the hotel opened its doors on November 18, 2019..