Imatra is building a new sports hall and swimming hall, renovation is no longer an option

Imatra's city government made a significant policy today in its seminar and subsequent meeting.

The government ruled that the city will build or build a new sports hall and swimming pool instead of extensive renovation investments in existing properties in poor condition.

It is not considered reasonable to renovate the old premises anymore, because there would be no guarantee of the final result of the renovation. In addition, the renovation of the properties would cost more than 20 million euros. Similar new buildings would be more affordable.

The current sports hall has too few performance spaces and too much wasted space elsewhere. Fixing does not improve space efficiency.

The overhaul would have required the swimming hall to be out of use for 1,5 years. If the hall is built somewhere other than the current lot, services will not be interrupted.

 Four seat options

In the future, placement options for the new facilities will be explored. They are the current location, another plot in Mansikkala or Imatrankoski, Ukonniemi, a swimming hall and a sports hall on one side of the ice rink, and a sports hall and swimming hall distributed in different places in Ukonniemi.

─ I emphasize that no place is now stronger than another. Now let's start a more detailed investigation of placements. We carefully review the advantages and disadvantages of different locations and the impact of locations on the city's services and vitality, chairman of the city board Anna Helminen says.

Regarding the swimming pool, it is also being investigated whether 25 or 50 meter pools will be built in Imatra. If the place is in the Imatrankoski or Mansikkala area, the only option is a 25-meter pool. If the swimming hall is placed in Ukonniemi, the vitality potential in terms of sports tourism will be utilized and a 50-meter pool will be built.

─ Also The Ukonniemi option would of course be done primarily with the services of the townspeople first. We would think of completely new public transport solutions that would make it easier to get to Ukonniemi. It would also serve the people of Imatra who enjoy other sports and bring the services of Imatrankoski and Mansikkala closer to visitors staying in Ukonniemi, deputy city manager Kaisa Heino says.

The city council will return to narrowing down location and solution options at its meeting held in mid-December.

The goal is for the new buildings to be in use in 2022-2023.

For more information:
The chairman of the city board, Anna Helminen, p. 040 548 3790, give. pearlimatra.fi (anna[dot]helminen[at]imatra[dot]fi)
City manager Kai Roslakka, tel. 020 617 2226, kai. garbageimatra.fi (kai[dot]roslakka[at]imatra[dot]fi)
Deputy Mayor Kaisa Heino, tel. 020 617 2206, kaisa. hayimatra.fi (kaisa[dot]heino[at]imatra[dot]fi)