Facilities handed over to NAOK, clearing way for new swimming pool

New developments have emerged both for the future of NAOK’s historic facilities and for the planned outdoor swimming pool following a decision by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance approving the concession of use of the site to the Club.

According to an announcement by Corfu MP Stefanos Gikas, NAOK is granted the use of its existing structures on the foreshore and beach areas within the former land zone of the port.

The concession covers a total area of 7,115.56 sq m, including the Club’s buildings and port facilities. In return for their use, NAOK will pay the State an annual fee, set at €22,414 for the first five years.

From the Old Fortress to its Present Location

The decision resolves an issue with a history spanning several decades. NAOK, which was founded in 1935, was based until 1957 at Kontra Fossa and Mandraki, within the Old Fortress. In 1957, it moved to its present location on the town’s waterfront. The facilities were developed gradually by the Club’s administrations and members, with support from the State, particularly the General Secretariat of Sports.

For almost seven decades, the site has been home to a large part of Corfu’s marine sporting activity, including swimming, water polo, rowing and sailing. However, the legal status of the facilities and the waterfront area remained problematic, creating obstacles to new permits and development works.

The Saga of the New Swimming Pool 

The issue resurfaced with plans for the new outdoor swimming pool. The project had been included in the planning for sports infrastructure alongside the indoor training facility at Alykes, and preparation of the study was assigned to DEPAN through a programme agreement.

At the end of 2025, the Municipality, DEPAN and the other bodies involved continued to insist that the new swimming pool should be located at NAOK’s facilities. However, outstanding issues concerning the site and the legalisation of the existing facilities were delaying the project’s progress.

In April 2026, the issue reached a critical point. DEPAN even raised the possibility of relocating the project in order to avoid losing the opportunity to implement and fund it. This was followed by a concerted effort by the Municipality and the other parties involved to ensure that the swimming pool remained at NAOK.

In May, the Central Archaeological Council gave its unanimous positive opinion, marking one of the most important steps in allowing the process to continue. The planned new pool is essentially to be built on the site of NAOK’s historic swimming pool.

The September 1 decision granting use of the facilities now removes another major obstacle. It does not, however, mean that the project is ready to go out to tender. The completion and adaptation of the studies by DEPAN, the necessary permits and the tender documents are still pending, while it also remains crucial to clarify the current funding arrangements and implementation timetable.

Thus, 69 years after NAOK moved to its present location, the concession represents more than simply the resolution of a long-standing outstanding issue. It is also a crucial link in the effort to finally provide Corfu with the new outdoor swimming pool that has been planned for many years.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS