Noordwijk Sports Hall Plans Proceed Despite Size Concerns
Noordwijk’s mayor and aldermen have indicated they see no reason to alter the current design of the De Schelft sports hall. The council stated in response to questions from the CDA that the planned hall meets established standards, with any potential expansion considered a political decision for the municipal council.
Concerns Raised by Sports Council and Clubs
The discussion stems from concerns voiced by the Noordwijk Sports Council and several local sports clubs regarding the hall’s dimensions and overall suitability. While the council maintains the current design adheres to established principles and standards, expansion remains a political choice.
Dimensions Meet NOC NSF and NISAV Guidelines
The planned hall will measure 25 by 44.2 meters, with an unobstructed height of 7 meters. The council confirmed these dimensions have been vetted against the guidelines of NOC NSF and NISAV for regional competitions in a variety of sports, including indoor hockey, indoor football, korfball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, and handball.
The Sports Council had previously recommended a wider hall – 28 meters – to accommodate a mobile grandstand. According to earlier estimates, this expansion would require an additional investment of €375,000 and increase annual operating costs by €33,000.
Financial Considerations Drive Current Plan
The municipal council decided on November 4, 2025, to invest in a basic variant without a stand, making a clear choice within the available financial frameworks
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Current Capacity and Future Growth
The council noted that the existing temporary sports hall, with comparable dimensions, currently serves the majority of users effectively. The badminton club, for example, currently utilizes markings for nine courts, seven of which meet official standards, despite having 66 members who typically use fewer than seven courts.
The basketball association, MSV, has expressed a need for a wider hall (28 meters) for safe training and competition. However, the council pointed out that other sports halls within the municipality meet these requirements, and redistribution of sports capacity is a possibility.
Regarding future growth, the council stated the municipality possesses multiple sports halls and halls, providing sufficient overall capacity. Bottlenecks primarily arise from the demand for training during peak evening hours.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
The council emphasized the undesirability of project delays, particularly due to rising construction costs. Adjustments within the previously outlined variants shouldn’t necessarily cause immediate postponement. The municipal council and involved associations are kept informed of progress, with the next step being the development of a preliminary design. The council indicated that no substantial changes are desirable for a great project result within the set frameworks
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FAQ
- What are the dimensions of the planned sports hall? 25 by 44.2 meters with a height of 7 meters.
- What sports will the hall accommodate? Indoor hockey, indoor football, korfball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, and handball.
- What is the estimated cost of expanding the hall to 28 meters? An additional €375,000 investment and an increase of €33,000 in annual operating costs.
The De Schelft project continues to move forward, balancing the needs of the Noordwijk sporting community with responsible financial planning. The council’s commitment to the current design signals a focus on delivering a functional and sustainable facility within established budgetary constraints.