"As the department head responsible for Mattiaqua, I have submitted a proposal in principle that envisages a new building to replace the burnt-down swimming pool. The municipal council approved this proposal today," said Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende on Tuesday. "We want all children in Wiesbaden to learn to swim, we want to create good conditions for clubs and we want families, sportspeople and health-conscious people to have a local swimming facility in AKK too."

The planning is based on a comprehensive feasibility study that carefully examined the alternatives of a general refurbishment and a new building.

The fire destroyed the entire sauna area, including the ventilation system and the roof structure. Dismantling work and component inspections also revealed further damage to the building fabric and technology that was not directly related to the fire damage. The indoor swimming pool and technical systems such as the ventilation and safety systems were also badly affected.

The results of the feasibility study show that a general refurbishment at an estimated cost of 30.16 million euros would not only be more complex, but also entail higher risks. A new building, on the other hand, which costs only slightly more at 31.54 million euros, offers numerous advantages. In addition to a shorter planning and construction phase, a new building enables the pool to be operated more energy-efficiently and economically.

"I am sure that today's magistrate's decision will bring great joy to AKK," said Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende. "A new indoor swimming pool for Kostheim is an important sign for the citizens. It will not only create a place for sport and recreation, but also a sustainable and modern building that can be used by many generations." The Kostheim local advisory council has already approved the proposal.

The next planning phases will also examine whether and which costs can be reduced without compromising the quality of the new building. The financial burden will occur in the 2026/2027 budget at the earliest, with 4.1 million euros being covered by fire insurance.

The new building should meet the requirements for accessibility, sustainability and energy efficiency. An implementation proposal with planning details will be submitted to the municipal bodies for a decision once the planning process has been completed.

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