Evaluating the practicality of a suspended wind tunnel at Nagoldfreibad city

In the vibrant city of Pforzheim, plans for the renovation and expansion of its swimming facilities are underway. Two projects, the Nagoldfreibad and Huchenfeld, are currently being discussed by the city council.

The feasibility study for the Nagoldfreibad suggests that approximately €3.5 million would be necessary for renovation costs. The study also indicates that an air-supported hall could be technically feasible at the Nagoldfreibad, with an estimated construction time of around nine months and an additional investment of approximately €1.15 million. The operational costs for year-round operation of the air-supported hall would increase energy costs to €95,000 per year.

As an interim solution, the study recommends a four-year rental period and the thermal renovation of the existing ancillary building at the Nagoldfreibad. The city will discuss the findings of the feasibility study openly in the Works Committee on July 16th and subsequently in the City Council. A meeting with clubs and stakeholders for the new construction projects is scheduled for mid-July.

The city expects the project duration for the Emma-Jäger-Bad to be 48 months. An architectural competition is planned for the Emma-Jäger-Bad due to its prominent inner-city location, diverse functional requirements, and forecast investment volume. The results of the demand planning for the new construction projects in Huchenfeld and Emma-Jäger-Bad are expected by the end of August/beginning of September.

For Huchenfeld, a total contractor tender is planned for time advantages and cost stability. A study on the procurement and state aid legal framework conditions has been commissioned and is expected by the end of June. A market survey is planned for Huchenfeld to gain an estimate of the expected number of bidders in a total contractor tender.

The swimming pool at the Wartbergfreibad is not suitable for an air-supported hall due to the construction of the basement around the pool and the inability to use ancillary buildings in winter. Furthermore, the feasibility study for an air-supported hall at the Wartbergfreibad has concluded that it is not technically feasible. The swimming pool at the Wartbergfreibad is not suitable for swimming lessons due to its depth of 1.9 meters.

The local council and some city council factions in Huchenfeld have expressed a wish for a barrier-free children's wading pool, with a cost cap of €7 million. The additional investment requirement for the barrier-free children's wading pool is to be covered by donations and the like.

The city will approach schools and clubs to weigh the pros and cons of an air-supported hall and possible alternatives, aiming to make informed decisions for the future of Pforzheim's swimming facilities.