When the Rebstockbad was opened in 1982, it was the largest adventure pool in Germany and a real showpiece. In the meantime, the swimming pool is visibly getting on in years and, after 35 years and over 20 million guests, has quite a few technical and structural defects. However, since the Rebstockbad is still the most important swimming pool location in Frankfurt and attracts 600,000 water rats every year, action must naturally be taken here. And so the existing Rebstockbad is nearing the end of its operational life. Because based on the study of various development options, the city of Frankfurt am Main has decided to demolish the existing pool and build a replacement at the same location.
But what should the new Rebstockbad look like? What should it offer its guests? For the optimal development of the future prospects for the swimming pool, a two-stage Europe-wide planning competition was held. From the very different and interesting designs submitted, eleven competition participants were able to qualify. After intensive deliberations by the high-ranking jury, two designs were finally awarded prizes. The design by ARGE Venhoeven c.s./MOW Architekten was awarded second prize. The design of the planning office Geising + Böker Architekten was awarded first prize by the jury. In addition, the commissioning of Geising + Böker Architekten with the planning of the new Rebstockbad is recommended.
Through a flexible and modular conception of the main usage areas of sports swimming, adventure pool, sauna and ancillary room areas, the usage possibilities of all areas are also optimized and the attractiveness for all guests is ensured. Important components of the new Rebstockbad continue to be the energy- and resource-saving, ecological as well as economical construction and operation of the Rebstockbad, taking into account environmental and climate protection.
The new construction of the Rebstockbad will be one of the largest swimming pool projects in Germany, with over 18,000 square meters of gross floor space and over 2,000 square meters of water surface. The functional sports pool will meet the requirements of schools, clubs and athletes in particular with a swimmers' area suitable for competitions, a teaching swimming area and a diving area. In the exciting adventure area, a variety of attractions, such as a wave pool, a lazy river, various heat pools and areas for families with children offer an exciting and varied bathing experience. There is action in the slide and active area. This will initially be equipped with three adventure slides, with the possibility of adding more slides at a later date being taken into account.
But it's not just fun and action that will be on offer. A relaxing break from everyday life is also to be guaranteed by the attractive sauna area. This is to be equipped among other things with interesting saunas, cold and warm pools, rest areas and a generous sauna outdoor area. The main uses of the new Rebstockbad will be supplemented by a wellness and spa area as well as the administration of the BäderBetriebe Frankfurt.
It will be a little while yet before we can plunge into the waters in the new Rebstockbad or relax in the saunas. Because after the closure of the existing Rebstockbad at the end of April 2021, construction work for the new baths will not begin until 2023. The new Rebstockbad, for which a total investment of around 89.5 million euros net is planned, is then scheduled to open at the end of 2025.
The next step after the conclusion of the planning competition is now the negotiation procedure with the award-winning prize-winners. The final selection of the prize-winner/design to be commissioned with the planning is scheduled for early 2021.
The new construction of the Rebstockbad is of central importance for securing the future supply of leisure and water areas and the opportunity for active leisure activities in Frankfurt am Main. Frankfurter Bäder is looking forward to the positive future prospects and the beautiful new Rebstockbad.
