NEW: Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre

By Nicolette Jacobie

The multi million Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre currently under construction in the coastal town will be the only multisport complex of its kind in Africa, spanning over 7000 m² . With its five storeys it will accommodate over 40 different sport codes and supporting facilities and services.

Mr. Francois Heyns, spokesperson for the Indoor Sport Centre, says the main attraction of the centre is the Dome, which will be used for a wide variety of sport codes. The centre will also house an inline hockey court and local sport codes like gymnastics and karate have already indicated that they will use dedicated areas in the centre.

The investment of approximately N$100 million in the property market of Swakopmund was highlighted when the cornerstone of the new Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre was laid this week, an investment which is valued at approximately N$100 million. 

Speaking at the occasion, his worship the Mayor, Mr. Juuso Kambueshe, says it is inevitable to improve the infrastructure at the coastal town to attract investors and strengthen the tourism sector. 

Artists’ drawing

“This not only the cornerstone of a building, but is symbolic of the cornerstone of economic development. And it is indeed an investment in sport tourism in Swakopmund, which in turn can lead to the development of leisure tourism at the coast.” 

Mr. Kambueshe says it is also important that Government follow suit and keep on developing infrastructure. “We are really in need of an airport here at the coast.”

Construction work at the Indoor Sport Centre started late last year. The developers are aiming to finish construction of the sport facilities at the end of this year. The commercial suites of the development should be done by June 2014 and the conference facilities by December 2014.

Mr. Heyns, also attached to a company called Sport Facility Management, says his company will organise amongst others national and international sport events at the Centre.

Other facilities at the Centre will be a food court, restaurant, office space, a gymnasium and rehabilitation centre, sport accommodation and a conference venue. 

The two investors of the Centre are Mr. Horst Fritze and Mr. Paul van Biljon, both prominent business figures in Swakopmund.