New €16 million pool complex being built in Varaždin

(Photo: Grad Varaždin)

A contract has been signed for the construction of a new recreational pool complex in Varaždin, marking one of the city’s largest infrastructure projects in the fields of sport, recreation and public wellbeing.

The agreement was signed at Varaždin City Hall by representatives of the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) and the Public Institution “Gradski bazeni Varaždin”, which will oversee the project.

The new facility will incorporate a range of energy-efficient technologies, including solar panels, solar thermal collectors and heat pumps. Part of the electricity required to operate the complex will be generated on-site.

The project was developed in response to demand from residents for recreational aquatic facilities currently unavailable in Varaždin. 

The planned complex will include a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational areas aimed at families, children and leisure users. Features will include splash zones, jacuzzis, water slides, children’s playgrounds, smaller pools and a large interactive water play area.

A restaurant and dedicated facilities for parents with young children are also planned, allowing visitors to spend extended periods at the complex.

Project officials said modern water treatment and disinfection systems will be installed to maintain high water quality standards.

The total value of the project is approximately €16 million. The City of Varaždin will contribute €6 million, while €10 million will be financed through an HBOR loan.

(Photo: Grad Varaždin)

According to HBOR President Hrvoje Čuvalo, the financial structure includes significant support from the European Union through the Urban Development Fund. A total of €4.5 million in non-repayable EU funding will be deducted from the loan amount, meaning the city institution will ultimately repay €5.5 million over a 25-year period at a fixed interest rate of 3.25%.

Varaždin Mayor Neven Bosilj highlighted the city’s success in attracting European and development funding. He noted that two Varaždin projects were among ten approved under the Urban Development Fund, including the new pool complex and the Varaždin Technology Park Innovation Centre.

The new development will complement the city’s existing swimming facilities, which currently focus on sport and competitive swimming. The recreational complex will be built alongside the existing pools, between Zagrebačka Street and the railway line, creating a year-round leisure destination.

(Photo: Grad Varaždin)

The city expects the public procurement process to begin during the summer, with a contractor potentially selected by autumn. Construction is expected to start shortly afterwards, with the new complex targeted for completion within the next two years.