Price increases and austerity measures: Berlin's bathrooms are faced with changes!

Price increases and austerity measures: Berlin's bathrooms are faced with changes!

The Berlin bathing companies face a difficult situation. In the midst of austerity measures, which are specified by the Senate's budget, the pool companies must drastically change their plans for extensions and new buildings. The popular outdoor pools and indoor pools, which are an important leisure activity for many Berliners, will request higher admission prices from May. The day ticket for the Humboldthain summer pool in particular will increase from 5.50 euros to 7 euros, which is a significant increase. Berlin Live reports in the future with restrictions in the open baths.

Marie Rupprecht, attendant for personnel and finance at the Berlin bathing companies, emphasizes that despite the austerity measures, the focus is on the provision of swimming halls in the city. Dr. Johannes Kleinsorg, the chairman of the board, also sees sufficient funds for the bathing infrastructure in the light of these cuts. Nevertheless, comprehensive plans must be reconsidered; Investments in leisure pools such as the Humboldthain summer pool are deleted. Instead, the focus is on functional baths that are less complex. rbb24 even reports that the multifunctional pool in Pankow, which was made by easier completion is replaced.

planned renovations and new buildings

The planned renovations and new buildings are to be financed by around 370 million euros by 2030. However, this represents a decline of 135 million euros compared to the original plans. While the ongoing renovations of the wave pool on Spreewaldplatz and the Paracelsus bathroom continue to be promoted, other projects are on the brink. So the complete renewal of the Humboldthain summer bathroom remains in the suspension, and the renovation of the Mariendorf combination, which has been closed since a fire in September 2023, remains unclear in the financing.

For the outdoor pools, it is also reported that they are no longer heated this season. This could lead to a further reduction in visitor numbers in the coming months, as many swimmers rely on more pleasant water temperatures in order to enjoy the experience in the outdoor pool. Baths are faced with the challenge of maintaining the attractiveness of their facilities despite the budgetary restrictions.

In an environment marked by austerity measures, it remains to be seen how the Berlin bathing companies will find the balance between the necessary functionality and the fulfillment of the leisure wishes of their citizens. Despite the challenges, bathing companies are determined to promote and support the swimming culture in the city.