Site of GDR adventure pool SEZ: Feasibility study awarded

The site of the former Sports and Recreation Center (SEZ) in Berlin, once the GDR's flagship adventure pool, has long been derelict. However, after decades of stagnation, things are now set to move forward: The state-owned housing association Berlin-Mitte has commissioned a feasibility study, which should be available by the end of the year at the earliest. The aim is to create a mixed-use district with a focus on rental apartments.

The derelict site in Berlin-Friedrichshain covers around 30,000 square meters. More than 550 new apartments are planned there, 50 percent of which will be socially subsidized. In addition, according to the housing association, "a generous commercial area will be created that will enable a sustainable mix of living, working and leisure".

After a long legal dispute, the SEZ was evicted last year. Building Senator Christian Gaebler (SPD) had said at the time that he saw no chance of it being retained as a fun pool. He said it was not possible to run another loss-making water park with the loss-making public baths, which would cost tens of millions of euros in investment.

SEZ was a prestige project of the GDR

The property and the closed pool were sold by the state of Berlin to an investor in 2003 - for a symbolic euro. The buyer was obliged to reopen the baths, but this did not happen. The state prevailed in a legal dispute that lasted for years, but the former owner did not return the site.

The SEZ was opened in 1981 and was considered a prestige project of the GDR. A wave pool, saunas, an ice rink, a bowling alley and sports halls attracted millions of visitors. There were sporting events, theater performances, concerts and parties. After the end of the GDR, the highly subsidized operation became too expensive for the state of Berlin and was gradually shut down.