Thursday, 3. 1. 2019

A step closer to the Ilirija multi-purpose swimming centre

On 28 December 2018, Mayor Zoran Janković and the managing director of Elea iC Angelo Žigon signed an agreement at City Hall on the drafting of project phases for the acquisition of a building permit and on the implementation of the Ilirija pool project.

A significant gain for swimmers and other athletes

“The cornerstone for the construction of a new Ilirija swimming pool that would meet all standards was laid nearly 20 years ago. We have been waiting that long for a covered Olympic-sized pool, and are pleased to announce that we will be able to swim in the new pool as early as 2021. This will be a gain for swimmers and other athletes alike, as we will build several sports halls in the scope of renovation works,” said Mayor Zoran Janković.

Angelo Žigon, who together with the employees of Elea iC will be responsible for project design works, took the opportunity to thank the Mayor and other participation for their trust, while the Mayor in turn said Mr Žigon represents a “guarantee that the facility will be modern and attractive”. They agreed that negotiations were difficult and protracted, but only in that way could a project that will contribute to the development of Ljubljana be selected. Also enthusiastic about the project is the architect Peter Lorenz, whose architectural solution was selected in the scope of a competition organised in 2000. Today we signed a project design agreement, while the final image and content will be the fruit of further coordination in accordance with needs. The start of construction works is planned in 2020.

Green areas will also be landscaped

In terms of content and size, the new Ilirija swimming pool project will exceed the current swimming pool and, in accordance with the city’s sustainable development principles, we are also planning the landscaping of green areas and the organisation of a sports park between Bleiweisova cesta, Celovška cesta and the railroad track, thereby linking the nearby Tivoli Park with the city centre.

Planned in the covered premises are a central Olympic-sized swimming pool with bleachers, a practice pool, a large gymnastics hall, a small hall for martial arts and other sports activities, a fitness centre and the accompanying premises. We are also planning the Stanko Bloudek Museum, while the range of services will be further enhanced by a catering area with an outdoor terrace. As part of the arrangement of the area measuring 24,000 m2 (of which the swimming centre and sports halls account for 11,400 m2 and 3,500 m2, respectively), we will also build an underground garage for 300 to 400 cars, which will replace the existing parking lot and also provide parking for local residents.

The project will also further enliven the cultural and tourist theme of the area, as we will fully preserve and revitalise the eastern part of the existing Ilirija swimming pool, which represents cultural heritage.

The modern, multipurpose swimming centre, with its sophisticated energy concept, will serve both Ljubljana and the entire country. With its spatial possibilities and diverse content, the centre will facilitate superior conditions for high-quality training, sports and recreational activities, the organisation of local and international competitions, and water sport events.