Sports Facility Development in Leverkusen 2026: Between Investment, Sustainability, and Usage

The Sportpark Leverkusen: A City Pillar in Transition

Sports facilities in Leverkusen are more than just training and competition platforms – they serve the community, health, and cultural identity. With the construction of the multi-use sports hall in Opladen and a variety of renovation measures, 2026 will mark a milestone in the development of the Sportpark Leverkusen (SPL). The city is investing not only in sports, but also in sustainability, cost efficiency, and future-readiness.

The Multi-Use Sports Hall: A Central Focus for Elite Sports and Everyday Use

The multi-use sports hall on Werkstättenstraße in Leverkusen-Opladen is a central project set to open in 2026. The hall is not only intended for the NRW Sports School, but also for elite and competitive sports as well as events.

The costs have risen from 9.26 million euros in 2017 to 19.73 million euros in 2025 – a clear sign of rising construction costs and changing requirements. At the same time, the project benefits from high support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, covering 80% of the eligible additional costs.

The fee structure for the hall is deliberately designed to increase cost recovery and involve citizens in the costs. For example, one hour of club training costs 5 euros, while events can cost up to 800 euros plus a revenue share. This approach aims to reduce the financial burden on the city while increasing the attractiveness of the hall.

Renovation and Modernization: The City Sports Park in Transition

In addition to the construction of the multi-use sports hall, investments in existing sports facilities are in focus. Between 2021 and 2025, 8.2 million euros have already been invested in renovations – a clear indication of the priority the city places on sports.

Key areas of renovation include:

• Artificial Turf Fields: Modernization of pitches in Alkenrath, Bergisch Neukirchen, and other districts.
• Floodlighting Systems: Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, supported by federal programs.
• Changing Rooms: Modernizations and renovations to meet hygiene and barrier-free standards.
• Energy-Efficient Construction: Photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and insulation are planned or already implemented in several sports facilities.

A particularly large project is the planned replacement construction of the indoor swimming pool in Bergisch Neukirchen, which is associated with an investment of 18.7 million euros. The new building will meet the energy standard of Efficiency Building Level 55 and will be entirely powered by renewable heat.

Financing and Funding: The Role of Public Authorities

Funding for the development of sports facilities in Leverkusen is a sensitive issue. The city is using targeted funding programs such as the federal “Renovation of Municipal Sports Facilities” program to reduce investment costs. For example, 6.22 million euros in funding from North Rhine-Westphalia have already been allocated for the multi-use sports hall.

In addition, the Sportpark Leverkusen is structured as a quasi-independent unit, designed to operate as autonomously as possible. The usage fees for the sports facilities are tiered to contribute to cost recovery. The city finances the operation through its core administration, with the actual operating costs transferred monthly to the Sportpark.

Future Readiness: Sustainability and Climate Neutrality as Goals

A central aspect of the renovation and new construction strategy is the integration of sustainable technologies. Photovoltaics, heat pumps, LED lighting, and energy-efficient ventilation systems are already standard in many projects. The goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions from sports facilities in the long term and to lower energy costs.

An example is the renovation of the Ostermann-ARENA, where in addition to the renewal of the NSHV and ELA systems, a focus is placed on energy efficiency. A similar approach is taken in the renovation of the indoor swimming pool in Bergisch Neukirchen: a replacement construction is planned that is not only modern but also more energy-efficient than the current building.

Conclusion: A Sporting Start into the Future

Leverkusen is demonstrating with the development of its sports facilities how municipalities can respond to the challenges of the future – rising costs, climate change, and digitalization. Investments in the multi-use sports hall, renovations of existing facilities, and the integration of sustainable technologies form a clear course.

In April 2026, the Sportpark Leverkusen will not only be a focal point of urban planning, but also for the citizens. With a broad range of sports and leisure facilities, modern infrastructure, and a clear vision for climate protection and sustainability, Leverkusen has laid the foundations for a sporting future.