Two birds with one stone: Stadtwerke Gießen has modernised the foyer of the Ringallee bathing centre, creating two major improvements at once - a larger relaxation room for sauna guests and a successful implementation of the new fire protection concept.
Everything is new in ... August! At least at the Ringallee bathing centre. Modernisation work in the entrance area is currently in full swing. Because the large staircase in the foyer of the bathing centre, which sauna guests previously used to get to the top, could no longer be integrated into a modern fire protection concept, Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) had it demolished and a ceiling installed. This created a spacious room on the first floor above the cash desk area.
In future, sauna guests will be able to relax here after sweating. A spacious relaxation area with 20 comfortable loungers will soon invite guests to relax and unwind. And not only that, the changing area in the former relaxation rooms will also be given a new look as part of the modernisation.
Safe, spacious, attractive
The route to the sauna will practically not be any longer as a result of the modernisation. This is because the staircase originally planned in the 1960s still exists. "We just had to reopen the entrance on the ground floor, which was bricked up in the mid-1980s," explains Matthias Funk, Technical Director of SWG. The big advantage of this new old version is that the closed-off stairwell is much easier to keep smoke-free in the event of a fire and is therefore much better suited as an escape route. Of course, those responsible have determined the order of the construction work so that everything essential will have been completed by the time the building opens after the summer holidays. However, minor finishing work and detailed embellishments on the upper floor will still take a while. "But the sauna will continue to operate as normal," promises Uwe Volbrecht, head of the swimming pool department at SWG. And even cheaper than before: during the ongoing work until the end of September, sauna customers will receive a construction site rate of 10 euros - with no time limit. Swimming pool customers can also enjoy double the bathing fun until the last changing room has been completed and can stay for a whole four hours instead of two.
Even more comfortable in future
At the same time as renovating the foyer, SWG also carried out the usual maintenance work and other repairs at the Ringallee bathing centre. The company is also planning some further modernisation work for 2017. Among other things, Stadtwerke Gießen wants to make the entrances accessible for the disabled and connect the indoor swimming pool and sauna area on the upper floor with a lift. A second remodelling phase will also follow next year, during which the ticket hall will be renovated and also adapted to the current fire protection concept. First, however, the current modernisation is on the agenda. As part of this, the Aquabistro will be closed for a few months from 1 October 2016. However, a temporary solution for sauna customers is already being planned.
A new water dispenser will also provide cool refreshment after a sauna session. "We want our guests to feel comfortable here," emphasises Uwe Volbrecht and Matthias Funk adds: "That's why we are always looking to improve the service." This includes the free Wi-Fi at the Ringallee outdoor pool, which is very popular and well received by guests. From October, SWG will also enable online booking for all pool guests who want to take part in the Aquafit programme.
Until then, the admission prices will be adjusted. When the indoor pool season starts, the single admission fee will increase slightly by 20 cents from 3.90 to 4.10 euros. The 10-person ticket will cost 32.80 instead of 31.20 euros. Admission to the sauna and course fees remain the same.
Outdoor pools remain open
As long as the summer sun is still shining and the days are warm, swimmers and bathers can still enjoy the outdoor pool season to the full. In the Kleinlinden and Lützellinden outdoor pools until 28 August. The Ringallee outdoor pool is open until at least 11 September, and even longer depending on the weather.
All information about prices and opening times can be found on the website of Stadtwerke Gießen at www.stadtwerke-giessen.de/baeder