Reconstruction of three Budapest baths on the way
Reconstruction has begun on the Palatinus Bath, and the Paskál and Széchenyi Baths are going to be renovated as well. The Budapest Spas Ltd. has 1.9 billion at its disposal for the improvement of the three baths, hirado.hu reports.
The reconstruction of the Palatinus Bath on Margaret Island has already begun. Both the building and its immediate surroundings are undergoing renovations. The main building is going to be restored to its authentic image based on the original, 80-year-old plans. The thermal bath is going to be covered to improve off-season conditions and to protect the area against the sunlight in the summer.
“The plans include creating a wellness and fitness area in the basement, together with the necessary facilities, such as changing rooms, showers, and staff areas. The entire building is going to be made accessible. The renovation of changing areas used in the summer season is also included in the works,” said Szilvia Czinege, sales and marketing director of Budapest Spas Ltd.
The renovations will be completed in the summer of 2017, but the bath welcomes guests all summer, opening on April 29. Prices will not change this year.
The Paskál Bath in Zugló is going to open in July 2016. A basement and a roof terrace of 900 square meters is to be added, creating a new building of 1,400 square meters. There is going to be a training pool, a baby pool, thermal baths, a water bar, and both indoor and outdoor pools as well. The diamond and rectangle shaped pools are going to be separated, the latter of which is going to be open during the winter as well. Saunas, including a special geothermal sauna are also to be added to the facility. The bath, previous open only in the summer season, is going to stay open all year round. Entrance fees are changing in proportion to the degree of developments.
The Széchenyi Bath, one of the biggest spa complexes in Europe, has undergone renovation three times in the last few years, amounting to 3 billion forints. All three were concentrated on the most urgent issues concerning the areas used by guests, leaving the 50-60-year-old mechanical system untouched. The new reconstruction project focuses on these ignored areas, including the wires, the machinery responsible for the operation of the bath, and the electrical network, all for the sake of modernisation and energy efficiency.
The biggest mechanical constructions, such as the installation of the ventilation systems, also involve tiling work, which in some cases means the complete renovation of the interior of the bath as well.
Most of the construction work is done at night after closing hours, so the daytime operation of the bath can go undisturbed. During the entire construction period the bath stays open, ticket prices will not change.
Photo: szechenyibath.hu
Copy editor: bm
Source: hirado.hu