A former church building in Heerlen, the Netherlands, is set to be turned into a public swimming pool.

Its entrance will be marked by a halo-shaped light, and swimmers will walk down the church’s aisles to the changing room and café.

The old features of the building will be incorporated into the new design, with former wooden pews set behind the pool’s glass walls, to serve as a viewing gallery. The old pulpit will become the lifeguard’s station.

The pool will feature an adjustable floor, meaning the body of water can be entirely covered, or raised to reveal only a shallow level of water, for patrons to 'walk on water'. 

Founding partner of the development company behind the project, Winy Maas, believes the pool will allow a disused building once again be at the centre of public life. “With more and more churches becoming vacant, we need to find new, creative uses for these buildings.

 “Why not restore their social function, as they once had? A public swimming pool fits perfectly. Imagine swimming backstroke while gazing up at vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows.”