Key points

On October 3, 2024, Yokohama City released the results of a public opinion survey on the draft redevelopment plan for Yokohama International Pool. Regarding the conversion of the main pool into a year-round sports floor (eliminating the pool), 52.8% of citizens expressed understanding, while diverse opinions were submitted from both supporters and opponents. This article organizes the details and challenges of the plan, including the background of redevelopment due to aging and cost issues, expanded facility design, and revisions to the financial simulation. [1]

Results of Public Opinion Survey and Overview of Redevelopment Plan

On October 3, 2024, Yokohama City announced the results of the public opinion survey on the draft redevelopment plan for Yokohama International Pool. The survey period ran from June 24 to July 31, 2024, during which 3,208 opinions were received. Approximately 85% of these came from residents within the city, and opinions related to the main arena redevelopment totaled 2,959. [1]

Opinions expressing understanding of converting the main arena into a year-round sports floor (eliminating the pool) accounted for 1,695 responses (52.8%), representing a majority. Notably, over 63% of city residents showed understanding, whereas many respondents from outside the city or with unknown residence requested continuation of the current floor conversion system. [1]

Facility Overview of Yokohama International Pool and Background of Redevelopment

Yokohama International Pool, completed in 1998, is a sports facility centered on an internationally certified 50-meter pool. The main pool is drained in winter to raise a movable floor, allowing use as a sports floor. The facility also includes a sub-pool, tennis courts, and an arena, supporting a variety of sports. [1] [5] [6]

In response to aging infrastructure and issues related to closure periods and costs associated with floor conversion, Yokohama City began considering redevelopment aimed at sustainable facility operation. In June 2024, a draft plan was published that included converting the main arena into a year-round sports floor and enhancing the sub-pool's functions, followed by solicitation of public opinions. [1] [3]

Changes from Draft to Final Plan and Revision of Financial Simulation

The finalized plan, officially adopted in February 2025, significantly expanded facility design based on public opinions and consultations with swimming organizations. This included increasing sub-pool seating from 355 to approximately 700 seats, establishing a new practice pool, and installing an inclined monorail from Kitayamada Station. [2]

Conversely, the financial simulation revised the initially explained annual running cost reduction from about 200 million yen to approximately 90 million yen, concluding that year-round pool operation is uneconomical. The estimated annual utility costs for maintaining the main pool year-round would rise to about 370 million yen, resulting in total expenditures exceeding those of maintaining the current system. [2]

Citizen Distrust and Challenges in Decision-Making Process

Responses to the public comment process officially recorded citizens' distrust regarding the transparency of the decision-making process. It was pointed out that documents showing an internal policy for arena conversion approved by the deputy mayor in December 2021 were disclosed for the first time on the final day of the opinion solicitation, raising questions about the legitimacy of the democratic process. [2]

Opinions from Both Supporters and Opponents and Future Schedule

Regarding the conversion of the main pool into a year-round sports floor, supporters advocate eliminating floor conversion to reduce costs and revitalize local sports, emphasizing professional sports attraction and diverse sports use. Opponents call for maintaining the current floor conversion system, stressing the importance of preserving the pool. [3]

Yokohama City plans to publish a report on the public opinion survey results around November 2024 and to announce a draft business plan reflecting these opinions from December onward. Future developments are being closely watched. The facility is located a five-minute walk from Yokohama Municipal Subway Green Line Kitayamada Station and includes parking for 270 vehicles. [1] [4] [6]