Berlin, Germany – The city’s public pool operators are set to invest around €600 million by 2030 into the comprehensive renovation, modernization, and construction of new indoor and outdoor swimming facilities. This was announced by Senator for Interior and Sport, Iris Spranger (SPD).
Addressing Years of Neglect
“For many years, a maintenance backlog has accumulated, which we are now consistently addressing,” stated Spranger. She emphasized that this is “very well-invested money,” as the capital’s 67 pools directly promote the health and quality of life of its citizens. The initiative will also strengthen the vital sports offerings of local clubs.
Recent Renovations and Upcoming Projects
Specifically, the partial renovation of the Stadtbad Schöneberg has concluded after more than two years, at a cost of approximately €14 million. Swimming courses for children are already being held during the holidays, and the pool will reopen to the public on August 26.
Spranger detailed further renovated pools to follow: “Next year, the Paracelsus-Bad in Reinickendorf will be back online after about eight years of construction; one year later, the Wellenbad am Spreewaldplatz in Kreuzberg, which has been undergoing extensive renovation since 2023, will follow.”
New Major Location in Charlottenburg
Johannes Kleinsorg, head of the pool operations, reported that a major new pool complex is being built in Charlottenburg for €40 million. The Alte Halle (Old Hall) will merge with the adjacent Neue Halle (New Hall), which has been closed for years. Construction, scheduled to begin in 2028, will include a shared entrance for both pools, new changing rooms, a sauna area, and a children’s section.
This funding, like numerous other resources, comes from the Berlin Climate Pact. “In total, we are receiving €204 million,” said Marie Rupprecht, board member of the pool operations.
Also planned: All outdoor pools will gradually receive pool covers starting next year. Calculations show that this can reduce heat loss by up to 30 percent.
Stadtbad Tiergarten and Mariendorf Kombibad Updates
At Stadtbad Tiergarten, a new 25-meter outdoor pool and a children’s paddling pool are currently under construction, with completion expected next summer. According to plans, the renovation of the indoor and outdoor areas of the Kombibad Mariendorf, which has been closed since a fire in 2023, will finally begin by the end of this year. The Holzmarktstrasse swimming pool will be newly built as part of a building complex with student apartments and commercial units; construction is also planned to start this year.
Source: Berliner Abendblatt
