In the Hoeverijk district of Nieuwegein, a sports complex unlike any other is being built: the National Climbing Centre Nieuwegein (NCCN). In 2026, the largest and most modern climbing centre in the Benelux will open its doors here. A place where sport, technology and sustainability come together in one impressive building.
What will soon be built in Nieuwegein is more than just a climbing hall. It will be an inspiring sports centre where recreational climbers, families, physiotherapists and top athletes can meet. With a guest house for athletes, bright meeting rooms, a restaurant and comfortable training and treatment rooms, the NCCN is a place where sport, relaxation and well-being come together.
The invisible power of Pelecon
For Pelecon, this project is a wonderful example of what is possible when technology, collaboration and sustainability reinforce each other. A building that literally and figuratively reaches great heights – and that writes a new chapter in Dutch climbing.
Based on the wishes and requirements of the client, Dijkham Bouw B.V., our structural engineers were asked to design and develop the entire climbing centre. The result is a well-thought-out steel structure weighing no less than 300 tonnes – 60 tonnes of which consists of THQ beams – which forms the foundation for more than 5,000 square metres of climbing and bouldering facilities, including an official speed wall and state-of-the-art training zones.
Construction challenges
The biggest challenge lay in the height of the building and the way in which the climbing walls were integrated into the structure. With a height of 20 metres and walls that also rest horizontally against the façades, this project called for smart technical solutions. Clamping the roof trusses against the rising columns creates a sturdy and rigid structure that guarantees stability. Even in the highest hall of the complex, where an indoor space and a partially covered outdoor space of 19.6 metres high come together.
Outside comes inside
All floor beams are integrated, creating sleek and open interior spaces that make optimal use of daylight. The many curtain walls reinforce this light and transparent character, while the closed façade surfaces on the outside are covered with green vegetation. This not only gives the building a natural look, but also contributes to air purification and insulation.
Sustainable down to the last detail
The NCCN’s sustainable ambition has been evident from the very first design. The building will be energy-positive thanks to the use of solar panels, and the green facades make it even more environmentally friendly. Through the smart and lean use of materials, the building has been constructed efficiently without compromising on aesthetics or comfort. The result is a robust, elegant and future-proof complex in which technology and design are perfectly balanced.
Collaboration to realise ambitions
The collaboration with partners such as Dijkham Bouw, Thijs Staaladvies, Brink Staalbouw, VBI, Lodewikus / Plomp Funderingstechnieken and Hardeman | van Harten proceeded smoothly and constructively. In intensive design and user sessions, wishes were coordinated, choices were tested and constructive solutions were refined. This close collaboration was essential to realising the ambitions of the NCCN.
Photocredits: Pelecon en Dijkham Bouw