the essential
For several days, the project to create two Nordic pools led by the Agglo has been displayed at the entrance to the two nautical centers. Objective: to convince of its merits.
After having hit the headlines and divided the elected representatives of the Agglo council on several occasions, the northern basins are coming back to the forefront. For several days, in the two swimming pools of the Agglo, we can see signs explaining the project. A €20 million project. We will also notice that the panels fail to mention the cost. It is just mentioned that two thirds of the budget will be used for the modernization of the two existing swimming pools, which really need it, and for their insulation and switch to renewable energies.
The big change will therefore be the creation of a 50 m outdoor pool at Atlantis. The famous Nordic basin. It will be open all year round and located at the rear of the building. Outside, a water play area will also be created for children under 6 years old. At the same time, there will be an expansion of the wellness area and fitness center.
In Taranis, the 25 m summer pool will be transformed into a pool open all year round. There will also be an expansion of the locker rooms and a separation of public and school flows.
On both sites, solar panels will be installed, as well as renewable energy boiler rooms. The two swimming pools should thus operate at 80% with renewable energies.
The subject being carefully avoided in Agglomeration Council, the main lesson of these panels is to provide a timetable. At Atlantis, the creation of the outdoor pools will begin in September 2025 and will run through 2026. Then from September 2026 to 2027, phase two of the work begins with the renovation of the existing facility.
In Taranis, the work will take place from June 2025 to June 2026. Thus, there will always be pools available to accommodate clubs and schools.
Each year, the two sites welcome 285,000 users. With these transformations, the Agglo’s goal is to increase the offer and the slots. Particularly for sports clubs (1,000 members in total) which have significant needs and for schools. The objective is to create 1,000 additional class sessions per year. Which is equivalent to 28,000 more school entries.
But isn’t the aim of this work and the creation of a 50 m pool also elsewhere? On the panels, we can see the beginnings of a response in the mention of regional interest. A pool of this size will allow the city to host major swimming competitions. Albi has long positioned itself, in terms of attractiveness, on hosting sports championships.
