Timiș County Council and Sânnicolau Mare City Hall have signed a partnership agreement to develop a leisure and aquapark complex, an investment with an initial estimated value of around EUR 40 million. The project is shortlisted for funding under the West Regional Programme 2021–2027, within Regional Intervention 6.2.B – “Tourism and quality of life”, and aims to capitalize on local geothermal resources to establish an active tourist hub throughout the entire year.
The future aquapark will span approximately four hectares and will feature indoor and outdoor pools, a geothermal pool, water slides, dedicated areas for adults and children, SPA and wellness facilities, as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces. The infrastructure includes around 400 parking spaces and renewable energy generation solutions. The projected capacity is 300 people during the cold season and up to 1,000 visitors in the summer, with the facility expected to generate between 35 and 40 jobs.
Non-reimbursable EU funding is estimated at between EUR 10 and 11 million, with the remaining amount to be co-financed by the county and local administrations. Timiș County Council President Alfred Simonis pointed out that the partnership is essential since the financial scale of the investment exceeds the capacity of a single town, while generating economic benefits across the entire county. Mayor Dănuț Groza emphasized that the new complex will address regional tourism demand, offering an alternative to cross-border destinations such as those in Makó or Szeged. Following the completion of financing and procurement procedures, the execution timeframe for the works is 24 months from the issuance of the start order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the investment value and how is the project financed?
The investment is estimated at around EUR 40 million, of which EUR 10–11 million is non-reimbursable EU funding, with the remainder covered by local and county authorities.
What facilities will the new aquapark in Sânnicolau Mare include?
The 4-hectare complex will feature indoor, outdoor, and geothermal pools, water slides, SPA and wellness areas, accommodating up to 1,000 summer visitors.
What is the project completion timeline?
The construction execution period is estimated at 24 months from the issuance of the work commencement order.