The Hofstade Ponds: From Railway Bed to Sports Paradise
The Hofstade ponds owe their existence to the construction of the Brussels–Antwerp railway line around 1902. Excavations for a raised railway embankment left behind deep pits that spontaneously filled with groundwater during World War I. These ponds spontaneously became a popular recreational spot for the surrounding region.
From the 1920s onwards, Hofstade Plage grew into a popular destination for day trippers, with beaches, cafés, and bustling crowds, sometimes attracting up to 7,000 visitors per day.
In 1925, Mechelen claimed the ponds as a drinking water reservoir (up to 5,600 m³/day), after which access was severely restricted.
In the interwar period, from 1932 onwards, a section (11 hectares) was officially designated as a recreation park, with a beach, pavilions, a 100-meter outdoor swimming pool, and modernist infrastructure designed by renowned architects such as Victor Bourgeois.
During World War II, the estate was used by Germans, and later by Americans, as a vehicle repair shop.
After World War II, the estate experienced a new period of prosperity. With tens of thousands of visitors per season, Hofstade was also known as the "poor man's sea" – a place where everyone could find sun, swimming, and beach fun close to home.
From BLOSO to Sport Vlaanderen
In the 1990s, the estate lost popularity. The outdoor swimming pool closed, and the recreational infrastructure fell into disrepair. In 1991, BLOSO (now Sport Vlaanderen) took over management, with the aim of modernizing the estate and transforming it into a sports- and nature-friendly area.
Since then, the estate has been revitalized with sports facilities, nature development, and a master plan for redevelopment. Sport Vlaanderen focused fully on quality, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Hofstade estate currently covers over 160 hectares, with two large ponds, an 800-meter sandy beach, and numerous sports and leisure facilities. Beach access is currently subject to a fee during the summer, with additional amenities such as first aid, a lifeguard, and catering.
By 2028, Sport Vlaanderen is planning an ambitious new construction project with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a surfing pool, and new changing and training facilities. Hofstade aims to become a leading water sports center in Flanders – where recreation, elite sports, and experiencing nature converge.