Future of the Sonthof ice rink: renovation or new construction?

Future of the Sonthof ice rink: renovation or new construction?

The future of the ice rink in Sonthofen is in the balance and continues to be discussed as an urgent topic in the city. In a public presentation of the feasibility study, around 150 ice sports fans and concerned citizens expressed concern about the challenges that the traditional building has brought with it since it opened in 1959. Mayor Christian Wilhelm recently presented the details of the study, which examines both the current condition of the hall as well as possible renovation steps and costs. According to Merkur, the renovation costs are estimated at around 19 million euros, while a new building would cost around 25 million euros.

The feasibility study highlights that the hall has to contend with structural defects. In particular, critical areas such as escape routes, fire protection and ventilation urgently need to be improved. The district office cannot avoid demanding proper fire protection measures, so that the hall can only be used until the end of the 2024/25 season. Fortunately, demolition of the hall, which the public wants to stay away from, is not on the agenda. The mayor himself has clearly spoken out in favor of preservation and a new building could bring additional challenges, as the study recommends.

Renovation needs and challenges

The structural problems are numerous and require a good hand when planning the renovation measures. The roof construction of the hall is unique, but cracks and rot indicate the need for renovation. At the same time, the refrigeration system is in an acceptable condition, but some components need to be optimized in order to reduce operating costs. Reducing the ice surface could also help improve the auditoriums. Concrete planning steps are planned from 2026, with possible implementation from 2027, while the roof renovation is planned for 2029.

A look beyond the borders of Sonthofen reveals that the need for renovation is not just local. A current study commissioned by the KfW development bank shows that many municipal sports facilities in Germany, including ice rinks and swimming pools, are in serious need of renovation. 59% of cities and municipalities state that they are confronted with a “serious” investment backlog, although in many places the situation is described as dramatic. This confirms that the issue of sports infrastructure will be firmly in the focus of municipalities for at least the next few years, as Tagesschau reports.

Public opinion and politics

The citizens of Sonthofen seem to be clear in their opinion: they do not want the hall to be demolished. The city council has commissioned the administration to carry out a detailed risk assessment and examine potential financing and funding options. The cost-sensitive way of thinking plays a central role because, as the additional concept created shows, every investment must be well thought out. Mayor Wilhelm announced that this issue would be addressed every 15 years. The pressure on the city to provide adequate sports facilities is enormous; after all, it is about the quality of life and the sporting activity of young and old in the region.

It remains to be seen how quickly local politicians will respond to the challenges and whether the necessary investments can be made in the maintenance of the ice rink before an actual standstill occurs. The signs point to change, and the next time will show what happens next with the Sonthof ice rink.