Ground Broken for New Indoor Pool in Düsseldorf
At the groundbreaking ceremony (from left): City Director Burkhard Hintzsche, District Mayors Annette Klinke and Birgit Schentek, Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller, Peter Schwabe and Christoph Schlupkothen of Bädergesellschaft Düsseldorf. | Photo: City of Düsseldorf/Ingo Lammert
(eap) A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Unterrath indoor swimming pool took place recently at its future site in the Derendorf district of Düsseldorf. On behalf of the City of Düsseldorf, Bädergesellschaft Düsseldorf is developing a facility designed to provide modern conditions for school swimming lessons, club sports and public recreational use. After almost six decades of operation, the Unterrath district’s existing swimming pool reportedly no longer meets current technical and energy standards and could only remain operational with considerable investment. A decision was therefore made to construct a new facility.
The modern, sustainably designed indoor swimming pool is to be built next to a new REWE supermarket. | Rendering: Baues Architekten
Plans include a 25-metre swimming pool with five lanes and one- and three-metre diving platforms, as well as a thermally and acoustically separated teaching and exercise pool with a movable floor. The facilities will be complemented by a toddlers’ pool featuring a five-metre-high slide. A whirlpool, steam bath and infrared cabin are also planned.
Particular emphasis is being placed on the sustainable operation of the future facility. As the first swimming pool in Düsseldorf and one of a few in Germany at this time, the facility is designed to generate no CO₂ emissions through its energy supply. This is to be achieved through an energy concept centred on regenerative energy sources. More than 400 photovoltaic modules with an intended output of around 200 kWp will be installed across an area of 867 square metres. The heating system will combine a water-to-water heat pump with air-to-water heat pumps. Heat will also be recovered from wastewater generated by the showers and pools, as well as from the ventilation system. Much of the electricity required to operate the heat pumps is to be generated by the photovoltaic system, while any additional electricity purchased will come entirely from renewable sources. An extensive green roof is also planned.
Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller | Photo: City of Düsseldorf/Ingo Lammert
“With the groundbreaking ceremony for the new swimming pool in Unterrath, we are sending an important signal for sport in Düsseldorf, for our city’s family-friendliness and for our determination to invest in Düsseldorf’s quality of life and attractiveness, even in economically challenging times. With the construction of the new Unterrath indoor pool, the highly ambitious ‘Bäderkonzept 2020’ swimming pool development programme is entering its final phase. The city’s districts and neighbourhoods have benefited from it in a very targeted manner. Being able to swim and learn to swim locally is essential to public services and preventive healthcare in our city,” emphasises Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller.
The new indoor pool is scheduled for completion in 2028. As part of the “Bäderkonzept 2020” programme, the Rheinblick 741, Allwetterbad Flingern, Badehaus Benrath, Strandbad Lörick, Rheinbad and Familienbad Niederheid swimming facilities in Düsseldorf have already been refurbished, extended or completely rebuilt. ■
