Late Arrival: Finally, Midsummerland is Set to Open After a Year's Delay
Breathing New Life into the MidSommerland
For over a year now, the festive vibe of MidSommerland at the outskirts mill has been missing. The anticipated renovation of the bath, in operation since 1996, has hit delays. But, here's the good news - it's all systems go!
The authorities have given the green light for the makeover and expansion of the MidSommerland. Preliminary demolition and construction activities might start by the end of 2024.
So, what's been causing the holdup? According to theEnvironmental and Financial Authority, it's been a intricate building permit process, a focus on energy-efficient solutions, and unforeseen cost spikes due to swift market changes.
Dirk Schumaier, Managing Director of Bäderland, shares the enthusiasm, stating, "We're keen to utilize funds judiciously. The economic cost increases necessitated a review of the MidSommerland's new concept and the search for an adapted, cost-effective solution."
While he regrets that the bath couldn't remain open during this period, Schumaier acknowledges that it was structurally and technologically unsound, and the renovation should have started a year earlier. With the new plans in motion, he adds, "We're thrilled."
The funding for this 52.5 million euro project will come from the Financial Authority, the Environmental Authority, RISE funds from Harburg district, Bäderland's own funds, and Hamburg's climate funds.
The main measures on the agenda are: revamping the existing facilities, building a new training swimming hall, increasing the water surface by 20 percent, and transitioning the heat supply to 65 percent renewable energy.
The new swimming hall is predicted to open in the 2nd quarter of 2027, followed by the rest of the site's attractions by the end of 2027.
Hopefully, these developments will bring back the joy and excitement of the MidSommerland to the residents of Harburg!
The expansion of the MidSommerland will include a focus on energy-efficient solutions, as part of the environmentally-conscious renovation. Financial funding for this project comes from various sources, including the Financial Authority, the Environmental Authority, RISE funds from Harburg district, Bäderland's own funds, and Hamburg's climate funds.
