Swimming pools De Nieuwe Hateboer and Het Anker will definitely remain open through December

Sittard/Buchten – The municipal executive has decided to keep the swimming pools De Nieuwe Hateboer (Sittard) and Het Anker (Buchten) open until at least 31 December 2026.

During this period, the pools will be available exclusively for target-group and instructional swimming (such as senior swimming and swimming lessons). This decision is an implementation of motions previously adopted by the city council and is intended to provide residents and associations with greater clarity.

Continuity

With this decision, the municipal executive is carrying out the wishes of the council, which called for continuity of pool access for target groups and swimming lessons. At the same time, the proposal leaves room in 2026 to actively seek market parties that could take over long-term operation of the swimming pools.

Alderman Andries Houtakkers (Sports): “We understand that many residents and associations need certainty about swimming lessons and accessible pool facilities. With this proposal, we want to provide continuity for the most vulnerable target groups while also keeping room for a sustainable, long-term solution.”

His colleague Leon Geilen (Real Estate) agrees and adds: “Technical inspections show that the buildings are suitable for temporary operation. This gives us the space to keep the pools open in 2026 without unnecessary risks for visitors or staff.”

Target-group and instructional swimming

Under this proposal, both locations will remain open in 2026 for target-group and instructional swimming. The competition pool, recreational pool, and outdoor pool at De Nieuwe Hateboer will close as of 1 May. Operation of both swimming pools will be taken over by the Sportstichting Sittard-Geleen. For Het Anker, this means that operation of the entire sports complex will be transferred to Sittard-Geleen’s sports foundation as of 1 May 2026.

Regular recreational swimming and club swimming will move to the swimming pool at Sportpark Glanerbrook as of 1 May 2026.

Financial consequences and funding

Keeping both swimming pools temporarily open will lead to additional costs in 2026. The estimated extra expenses amount to €78,500 for Het Anker and €292,500 for De Nieuwe Hateboer. In addition, there are the fixed annual operating costs for the pools. Together, these fixed costs and additional expenses total €513,000.

Most of these costs can be covered. When the 2025 annual accounts are adopted, the council will be asked to formally approve an additional contribution of €140,000.

In 2026, a market exploration will be conducted to find a structural operator for both locations. Decisions regarding the situation as of 1 January 2027 will be included in the 2027 budget discussions.

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