Fitness to open in REC’s J/K building at the end of 2026
It has been under consideration and discussion for a long time, but now the plans are actually being realized: a USC fitness branch in the basement of building J/K on the Roeterseiland campus. The tender process is underway, with completion scheduled for the end of next year.
The fitness room in the basement of the J/K building on the Roeterseiland Campus is coming! In fact, a formal tender has already been issued to find a contractor, confirms Marco Hoekstra, director of the University Sports Centre (USC). “The intention is to award the contract in the first quarter of 2026 and have the sports centre ready by the end of next year.”
Cardio, strength training & yoga
The J/K building on the Roeterseiland Campus (REC) was completely renovated in the period 22|24: it now houses many (smaller) lecture halls, a coffee bar, the Folia editorial office, workplace support, and the Student Services department. The renovation also freed up part of the basement for non-educational use. Currently, the space is mainly used as a study and leisure area, but next year a sports and fitness area will be created here.
This is perhaps not an unnecessary luxury for a campus where 23,000 students now attend lectures. The 700-square-meter basement (which, incidentally, has no windows) will offer opportunities for both individual and group sports: cardio, strength training, Pilates, yoga, high-intensity training (HIT), et cetera. Of course, there will also be changing rooms, showers, and lockers.
The (partial) demolition of the basement and construction of the sports center are expected to take place mainly during the quiet periods in January and May 2026 and during the summer holidays. Hoekstra states that after completion, it will likely take a few extra months to set up the new fitness room for use.
