A completely renovated entrance area with a new counter and shop as well as a modern fitness studio - guests at the Ringallee bathing centre can look forward to both this year. While the renovation work is in full swing, the pool and sauna are already open - at particularly attractive conditions. At a press event, Matthias Funk, Technical Director of SWG, and Uwe Volbrecht, Head of Pool Operations at SWG, provided information on the status of the modernisation and offered a look behind the scenes.
Hammer blows and the loud noise of drilling machines can still be heard through the foyer of the Ringallee bathing centre. The final stage of the refurbishment work has been underway here since the beginning of July. Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) had already begun modernising the entrance area last year. A lift is currently being installed to access the sauna. Workers are also replacing old wall and ceiling panelling and floor coverings with fire protection-compliant materials. They aim to complete the work and inaugurate the new premises by the beginning of September at the latest. At a press event on Thursday, 3 August, Technical Director Matthias Funk promised that visitors can expect not only more safety and comfort, but also a nicer ambience with a feel-good factor: "Anyone who saw the foyer just a few weeks ago will not recognise it."
Safe and modern
In future, staff at the Ringallee bathing centre will welcome guests at a long, newly designed counter. In the foyer, comfortable armchairs provide a place to sit and wait for friends or family members after a visit, for example. Anyone spending longer in the entrance area can also order a drink at the counter or purchase bathing articles in the adjacent shop. "In future, we will provide a lot of information about our pool centre via a large display - such as the current water temperature," revealed Uwe Volbrecht, Head of the Pools Department at SWG, during the press event.
Until then, bathers can still access the indoor swimming pool and sauna via the side entrance. Both have been open again since the end of July following the annual general overhaul. Uwe Volbrecht comments: "Despite the work in the entrance hall, we have decided to resume normal operations. After all, the refurbishment doesn't affect the swimming pool or sauna." However, as the noise level can be higher than usual, SWG is offering guests particularly favourable conditions. A day ticket for the sauna costs ten euros until the new entrance area is inaugurated and there is no time limit for swimming pool visitors.
Fitness at the Ringallee swimming centre
The modern fitness studio is also expected to open in October 2017 in the premises of the Ringallee bathing centre that were previously used for catering. "People from Giessen and the surrounding area can look forward to a very special training experience, one that is unique in the region. We are combining fitness and swimming under one roof and have brought an experienced partner in this field on board in the form of Actic Fitness," explained Matthias Funk. The experts will set up and operate the new fitness centre.
Members can expect a wide range of different training options on an area of around 470 square metres. In addition to a free weights area and a cardio section with modern equipment, there are also numerous courses. Professionally trained trainers are always on hand to offer advice and support.
When visiting the fitness studio, members will be able to use the existing changing rooms, toilets and showers at the Ringallee swimming centre. "The indoor swimming pool, sauna and training rooms complement each other perfectly," emphasised Uwe Volbrecht and Matthias Funk added: "We are already looking forward to soon offering people here in Giessen a completely new leisure facility at the most modern level."