Attendees pose during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new global headquarters of World Aquatics in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 7, 2025. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]

A landmark development is starting in Budapest's 13th District on Tuesday, as the foundation stone was laid for the new global headquarters of World Aquatics (formerly FINA). The world's third-largest sports federation is relocating to Budapest when its new home will feature not only its main office but a state-of-the-art global aquatics training center.

Covering nearly 20,000 square meters, the facility will include a world-class training centerbnh, athlete accommodations, office functions, and the federation's headquarters. From this new base, World Aquatics will oversee the worldwide governance of swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving.

The goal is to create a timeless, multifunctional complex that reflects both the spirit of the Hungarian nation and World Aquatics - blending tradition and innovation, past and present, in the service of a sustainable future.

The relocation agreement between the Hungarian State and World Aquatics was signed in 2023, along with the approval of the initial concept design. The updated concept has received the support of the 13th District Municipality, the Budapest Municipality, and the Hungarian State, and is one of the few projects also endorsed by the National Architectural Planning Council.

The development is closely aligned with the Budapest 2030 Urban Development Concept, which aims to strengthen the capital's international role, foster sustainable districts, and enhance Budapest's position as a centre for sport and culture.

Beyond its sporting significance, the project also represents an economic milestone. Budapest has already hosted numerous prestigious aquatic events, but with this development, the city will become the everyday administrative and decision-making centre of aquatic sports. This will open new opportunities for Hungarian sport, increase international attention on the country, and generate long-term economic, tourism and professional synergies in the decades ahead.

The new headquarters is expected to be completed by mid-2028.