Croatia to Get €137 Million National Aquatic Centre in Zagreb
Government approves construction of a major aquatic sports complex on Faculty of Kinesiology land, set to include Olympic-size pools, diving facilities and more.
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Croatia is set to build a new National Centre for Aquatic Sports in Zagreb, following the government's decision to invest in the €137 million project. The complex will be located on land owned by the Faculty of Kinesiology and is expected to significantly improve training conditions and enable the hosting of major international competitions.
According to Večernji list, the centre will feature a main pool with fixed seating for 3,500 spectators, plus the possibility of an additional 1,500 temporary seats. It will also include a smaller pool for diving and synchronised swimming. The facility is intended to address long-standing shortages, as current Zagreb pools prioritise recreational use, forcing elite swimmers and water polo players to train late at night or even abroad.
Pero Kuterovac, head coach of Croatia's swimming team, told the newspaper that the centre would mean better training times and no more need for athletes to travel outside the country for preparations. "It will allow us to prepare for major competitions here instead of going elsewhere," he said.
Perica Bukić, executive director of the Croatian Water Polo Federation, also welcomed the decision, noting that Croatia lacks serious venues for medium and large competitions. He pointed out that water polo has achieved significant success, including 15 medals at major world events over the last 20 years.
Marina Novosel, secretary general of the Croatian Diving Federation, said the project would include a diving pool, hopefully with a full set of diving platforms up to ten metres. She added that the current lack of facilities has forced some coaches and athletes to temporarily move to other cities like Zadar.
The dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Tomislav Rupčić, said the faculty has long wanted to build such a campus on its land. In addition to the aquatic centre, the complex would include a new sports hall, tennis and padel courts, beach volleyball, handball and basketball courts, an athletics track, and a large football pitch.
The project is expected to benefit not only elite athletes but also children and recreational users, providing much-needed modern sports infrastructure for the Croatian capital.
