President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have reviewed the progress of construction of the Aquatic Palace in Baku.

Extensive measures are being taken in preparation for the inaugural European Olympic Games due to be held in Baku in 2015. On the instruction of the President, modern sports centers meeting the highest standards are built, while the existing sports facilities undergo major overhaul and are put back in operation in the country.

With the aim of developing water sports in Azerbaijan and organizing competitions of local and international level, on 30 August 2012 President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the construction of an Aquatic Palace meeting modern standards in Baku. In a short time, South Korean company Securo Co. Ltd completed the design of the palace and construction work began.

Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov informed the President about the work done in the water sports palace in accordance with the project.

It was noted that an area of 6 hectares was allocated for the construction of the Aquatic Palace. The palace covering an area of ​​66,000 square meters is fully compliant with the requirements of the International Swimming Federation. It will have three swimming pools. The pool 50 meters long and 25 meters wide is designed for competitions. The second pool is intended for training. The length of the pool for diving is 25 meters and the width is 20 meters. In addition, the palace will operate fitness rooms, a restaurant, a conference room, offices and other utility rooms.

The area around the Aquatic Palace will have ancillary buildings, structures, and an above-ground car park for 500 cars. Sports competitions in the palace can be watched by 6,000 spectators. All the conditions for the training of athletes and organization of competitions of national and international levels will be available here. The construction work is carried out by local and foreign companies.

The President and his wife were also informed about the construction work to be carried out in the European Games Park.

It was indicated that the European Games Park being set up on an area of ​​18 hectares will consist of three sports facilities – for competitions in water polo, beach volleyball and football, and basketball. There are plans to construct a two-tier functional link between these facilities. A territory has also been allocated to create functional areas consisting of four parts. The European Games Park is to accommodate meeting and conference rooms, cafés and functional rooms. The park will also operate shooting and broadcasting facilities for the media, a car park and other service areas.

After reviewing the work being done, the President gave relevant instructions.