Herzlia’s New Aquatic Centre is a space for Talent, Community, and Dreams.

In a moment that’s been years in the making, we’re thrilled to officially unveil Herzlia’s new Aquatic Centre, the Mercaz Mayim. This state-of-the-art centre is a space where Herzlians will build character, form lifelong friendships, and dream big. 

Nestled in the heart of the Herzlia High School’s campus, with sweeping views from Table Mountain to Lions Head, across the City Bowl and past Table Bay, the Mercaz Mayim is a testament to our school’s commitment to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of our pupils. Masterfully designed by Beyers Slabbert of SNA Architects, the centre blends cutting-edge innovation with Herzlia’s rich heritage. And the results? A visually striking facility that makes the most of its available space in a smart, efficient, and beautiful way. Each element has been carefully considered for aesthetic impact and practicality, ensuring an experience that’s extraordinary and grounded in thoughtful, responsible planning.

“Sport is one of Herzlia’s Five Pillars, each of which helps prepare our pupils to go out into the world as well-rounded, empowered and inspired individuals. The development of our Aquatic Centre is therefore a monumental step forward for our sports programme,” said Andries van Renssen, UHS Executive Director. “This is a space where our pupils can learn perseverance, work together, and celebrate their achievements. It’s a place where champions will be made.”

A Space for Student Growth and Connection.

To position Herzlia as a hub for sporting excellence, while inspiring our pupils to reach new heights in their athletic pursuits, the design meets rigorous standards for local competition, ensuring that our pupils train and compete in an elite environment. This also allows us to attract top-tier athletes, including potential visits from Olympic and South African teams! 

At an impressive 30m x 25m – double the size of our previous facility – the Aquatic Centre’s flexible, world-class design incorporates two pools in one, offering a versatile space for training and competition. With 12 swimming lanes and the ability to host two water polo matches simultaneously, this heated, all-weather facility provides an unparalleled environment for pupils to hone their team working skills and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

A Space for the Entire Community.

The Mercaz Mayim isn’t just for Herzlia pupils: it’s a gift to the community. With seating for over 761 spectators, cutting-edge change rooms, a welcoming central kikar, and a seamless connection to our coffee shop and FRESS canteen, every detail has been designed to create an unforgettable experience for pupils, families, alumni, competing teams, and friends.

“I believe the high demand for this remarkable facility could become a challenge, but it’s the best kind of challenge to have,” says UHS Executive Director Andries van Renssen. “Our vision is for the pool to be alive with activity from morning to night. I see bustling galas and water polo tournaments that bring multiple schools together and community events where the pool, kikar, canteen, and mini-astros are overflowing with laughter. Beyond school hours, I envision water polo and swimming memberships for the community, as we invite parents, alumni and friends to pursue their passions and achieve their personal best. Our vision was always to create something more than just a school facility. We’ve built something extraordinary and we want to share it.”

Celebrate today. Enhance Tomorrow. Sponsor a Seat.

We offer you the unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by sponsoring a seat in the Herzlia Aquatic Centre. By sponsoring either in your name or in honour of a loved one, your generosity will support the education of deserving pupils through our bursary programme and help elevate Herzlia’s facilities, ensuring a bright future for generations to come. Contact The Herzlia Foundation Trust to see how to sponsor your seat: hft@herzlia.com

Building the Future, One Stroke at a Time.

The construction of the Aquatic Centre marks a major milestone in Herzlia’s continued investment in pupil well-being and community development. Funded by generous donations from the Wilfred and Fay Back Charitable Trust and the King David Golf Club and supported by the community at large, the facility is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a vision is met with passion and dedication.

“We want our pupils to walk in and say, ‘Wow, this is for us. This is where we belong.’ We want them to feel pride in their school, in themselves, and in what they can accomplish,” said Geoff Cohen, Director of Jewish Identity and Community.

The Mercaz Mayim represents the very heart of Herzlia: a place where tradition meets progress, where the community can celebrate, and where individuals become teammates, and teammates become friends. This is not just a pool. It’s a place where dreams will flourish, both in the water and beyond.