Private Investor to Lead AQUAtoll Into a New Future

(eap) A new opportunity is emerging for the AQUAtoll leisure pool in Neckarsulm, Germany, which has been closed since May 2022: A private investor has declared his willingness to reactivate the leisure pool at his own expense and at his own economic risk and to expand it with additional uses. The focus of the concept is the refurbishment of the existing leisure pool. In addition, a car museum featuring classic cars and high-end automobiles as well as a hotel are planned.

With this concept, PL-IMMOINVEST GmbH from Beindersheim, represented by authorised signatory Piyer Lahdo, intends to lead the former leisure pool into a new future as “AQUAtoll 2.0”. In a Letter of Intent (LOI), the investor and the city express their intention to continue working together. The former head of construction of the City of Neckarsulm, Klaus Grabbe, as well as the original architect of the AQUAtoll, Ulrich Bechler, are accompanying the project as mentors.

OB Steffen Hertwig (Mitte) sieht die Chance zur Reaktivierung des AQUAtoll Erlebnisbades. Als Mentoren des Projekts „AQUAtoll 2.0“ agieren Architekt Ulrich Bechler (li.) und Baubürgermeister a.D., Klaus Grabbe (Foto: snp).

“This is a great opportunity to fill the leisure pool with new life and turn it once again into an attraction,” highlights Mayor Steffen Hertwig. “Many people are missing the AQUAtoll, and therefore the prospect of refurbishment is today an opportunity that gives us all hope. The investor’s concept is coherent and fits very well with the profile of the automotive and spa city of Neckarsulm.” Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go, Hertwig adds. “We are at the beginning of a promising project, which we will support with all our strength and responsibility. There are still many hurdles to overcome, and success is not guaranteed. But the rebirth of the AQUAtoll is within reach.”

The LOI explicitly states that the investor will bear the sole economic risk for his concept with all three components. The city will assume neither investment nor follow-up costs – an aspect on which previous rescue attempts had failed. In order to refurbish the existing pool complex, the pool water technology, the dome and the load-bearing structure in the basement are to be fundamentally modernised. In this way, the characteristic architecture of the pool will be preserved. In addition, further offers in the areas of health prevention and wellness are planned; the sauna area is also to shine in new splendor. The AQUAtoll sports pool is not part of the concept and will remain under municipal ownership.

“AQUAtoll 2.0 is intended to reach and bring together all age groups: families, children and young people, and senior citizens,” explains Piyer Lahdo. “We are creating an experiential space where generations can meet. With a wide range of play and entertainment options, we want to offer children and young people an experiential world away from digital spaces, one they can immerse themselves in and feel comfortable in.”

The car museum is to be built next to the sports pool on the western side and integrated into the hillside. Classic and sports cars are to be exhibited on two floors. The concept is to be complemented by a workshop and a catering area. The car museum could also serve as a venue for special occasions such as anniversaries or vehicle presentations. The planned hotel is envisaged south of the AQUAtoll site on Reisachmühlweg. Around 45 rooms as well as an event room on a maximum of three full storeys are planned.

The LOI does not yet constitute a final project agreement but defines binding framework structures for the subsequent negotiations. In a next step, the modalities for the final project agreement, including the sale of the property, are to be elaborated. The city is aiming to conclude a contract in the coming months. ■