After five months of refurbishment, the sauna area at the Ringallee bathing centre now shines in new splendour. The floors, walls and furniture now match the areas in the changing rooms and relaxation rooms that were renovated a year ago. Stadtwerke Gießen has also introduced a few new features to make your visit even more pleasant.
As with all other buildings, a swimming pool with a wellness centre is subject to the ravages of time. Regulations are also changing - for example regarding fire protection. "All of this has prompted us to completely renovate the wet area of the sauna in the Ringallee bathing centre," explains Stefan Kasseckert, responsible for the renovation in the construction department of Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG), at the press event for the reopening of the sauna, which is scheduled for 12 November.
The term "thorough" is to be understood literally. In fact, those responsible at SWG opted for the big solution. In other words, all the floor coverings and wall and ceiling panelling had to go. With two effects. On the one hand, the craftsmen had to tackle the ageing building fabric. The last few decades had left their mark on the floors in particular. "In principle, everything is now as you would expect it to be in a new building," says Matthias Funk, Technical Director of SWG.
Uniform appearance, new highlights
Of course, the main focus of the refurbishment work was to protect the building fabric and fulfil the current fire protection requirements. But those responsible naturally also used the renovation to significantly improve the appearance and thus the ambience. "The wet area incorporates colours, materials and shapes from other, previously renovated areas, such as the foyer or the new relaxation room," explains Stefan Kasseckert. The furniture also fits in perfectly with the modern and warm atmosphere.
However, those responsible at SWG were not satisfied with just a new look. "We want to offer our guests an even more pleasant stay and additional opportunities for relaxation in future," says Michaela Horn, who is responsible for the wellness area at SWG. The new ice fountain, which is now located directly in front of the popular Finnish sauna, contributes to this. Another important innovation: bathers no longer have to walk long distances to clean themselves before their first sauna session. "We have moved the showers provided for this purpose directly to the entrance to the saunas," says Michaela Horn, describing the new situation.
Conversion during ongoing operation
Despite the radical interventions, the Ringallee swimming centre effectively only remained closed for three weeks. "Despite the construction work on the first floor, the swimming centre was quickly available to our bathers again," says Matthias Funk happily. As is usual with such extensive work, it will still take a few days after the reopening until everything is really finished. But that shouldn't put anyone off. "It's just a matter of minor details in the background," clarifies Stefan Kasseckert. On top of that, SWG is offering a substantial construction site discount for sauna visits: the special price of 10 euros per day applies for the entire 46th calendar week.
Keyword prices. SWG has also made improvements here: with the reopening, one hour of sauna bathing costs 4.50 euros (4 euros reduced) - but without use of the indoor swimming pool, because many visitors have requested this. If you stay for five hours or longer, you only pay the cheaper daily price of 21 euros (19 euros reduced). Bathers who also want to use the indoor swimming pool pay a one-off fee of 2 euros and can then swim as often and as much as they like. The ten-person ticket is now again based on a four-hour visit and is priced at 162 euros (144 euros reduced).
SWG is sending out a clear signal with this far-reaching modernisation. "We are aware of our responsibility and are doing everything we can to keep Giessen an attractive place to live," says Matthias Funk, explaining the investment. "For us, a swimming pool with modern wellness facilities is part of our public services in a way," adds the Management Board member. This understanding can also be seen in the new appearance of the Giessen swimming pools. They have been operating under this name as a separate brand under the umbrella of Stadtwerke Gießen since the spring.
Further information - such as the full range of services, opening times and prices - can be found at www.giessener-baeder.de