New glimmer of hope for the spa center: Is the turning point coming in Quedlinburg?

New glimmer of hope for the spa center: Is the turning point coming in Quedlinburg?

In Bad Suderode, the future of the spa center is once again a hotly debated topic. The histórico building, which has fallen into a slumber for years, could now have a new chance, as MDR reports. Jaqueline Brückner, one of the residents, is skeptical about the long dry spell without any significant progress. “For years there were only promises,” said Brückner. Her sister Katharina, who has a special connection to the spa center, also hopes for positive changes. “It would be good for the region if something happened here again,” she says, as she thinks back to the graduation ceremony from her school days in the spa center.

Joachim Knoth, the managing director of the adjacent spa hotel, also sees potential in revitalizing the spa center. He emphasizes the need for its own wellness offerings for the survival of his hotel and is optimistic about the city of Quedlinburg's return as owner of the spa center. The challenges of relying on private investors seem too great for him, which is why he is striving for closer cooperation with the local rehabilitation clinic and other therapy providers. Frank Ruch, Mayor of Quedlinburg, is confident that progress can finally be made and is in contact with experienced planning offices looking for a new investor.

Legal hurdles and possible solutions

In the background there is a legal battle over the ownership of the spa center. A ruling by the Magdeburg Regional Court dated December 13, 2024 obliges the insolvency administrator of a former investor to return the property and the spa center to the city of Quedlinburg. After more than ten years of disputes, the verdict is a glimmer of hope, even if the payment of around 70,000 euros is necessary to conclude the matter, as Jura explains.

The road there was rocky; The retransfers of the properties are a result of the previous investors not fulfilling the contract. After the city withdrew from the original purchase agreement in 2014, there were further attempts to sell the property, but they were not successful. However, all open questions are still pending as the judgment is not final and an appeal remains possible.

The role of the healthcare industry

In the context of the spa center, the healthcare industry in Germany is also important, which has experienced positive development in recent years. According to BMWK, the healthcare industry will have grown to a value added of 490.2 billion euros in 2024, which accounts for around 12.5 percent of the total gross value added in Germany. This industry is particularly strong in southern Germany and could also benefit from a revitalization of the spa center.

The recovery of the health sector after the Corona crisis and the growth in the area of ​​medical care can provide impetus for the Bad Suderode region and nurture hope for the sustainable development of the spa center. The connection between tourism and health offers could also increase the region's attractiveness and create new sources of income.

It remains to be seen how the messy situation surrounding the spa center will develop. Both residents and local entrepreneurs are hoping for a positive turnaround that could revitalize the region. “It could be a real signal of departure for Bad Suderode,” Katharina Brückner concludes hopefully.