Copyright euroweeklynews
Building a Sporting Future in San Javier Work on the new sports hall at the University of Murcia’s Sports Science Campus in Santiago de la Ribera is progressing well, with around 40 per cent of the project now complete. The modern facility is expected to be ready for the 2026–2027 academic year and will not only serve university students but also be open to residents for community sports activities. Once complete, the new hall will strengthen San Javier’s position as a hub for sport and education in the Mar Menor area, offering more opportunities for both young athletes and local residents to train, compete, and stay active. A modern multi-use facility Covering more than 2,400 square metres, the new building already has its main structure in place. It has been designed to accommodate a range of sports and physical education needs, with a large multi-sports court at its heart. The facility will also include two classrooms, a tatami room for martial arts and self-defence training, changing rooms, storage areas, and toilets. The project places a strong focus on sustainability, featuring a modern drainage system to collect and reuse rainwater, as well as landscaped outdoor areas that will blend naturally with the surroundings. These features reflect the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious design in new public buildings across the region. A joint investment in the community The €2.5 million project is being co-funded by three institutions working together: half of the total cost is covered by the regional government, a quarter by San Javier Town Hall, and the remaining quarter by the University of Murcia. During a recent site visit, San Javier’s mayor, José Miguel Luengo, highlighted the importance of collaboration in making projects like this possible. He described the new sports hall as “a great example of how local institutions can work together to benefit residents.” When finished, it will become the sixth sports hall in the town, further expanding access to quality facilities for both students and the wider community. Supporting the next generation of Sports Professionals The San Javier campus currently hosts around 500 students studying Sports Science and related degrees. With the new facility, the University of Murcia aims to enhance both the quality of teaching and the range of activities available to students. There are also plans to expand the campus in the coming years, with new master’s and doctoral programmes in the pipeline. This ongoing investment reflects a growing demand for sports education and research in the Murcia region, where sport plays an important role in tourism, community health, and the local economy. The new hall is expected to become a key part of that vision, supporting athletes, coaches, and researchers, while promoting active living among local families.
