Hotel project aims to secure Axams indoor pool

A new apartment hotel is intended to help secure the long-term operation of a future regional swimming pool in Axams, in the Innsbruck-Land district, ORF reports. Construction of the hotel began on Tuesday.

The former leisure centre and indoor pool operated for almost 50 years before closing in September 2024 because of extensive renovation needs. A new model is now being built on the site, directly linking the regional pool with an apartment hotel.

Hotel guests are expected to provide additional demand for the pool and help the municipality cover its running costs. The municipality also expects the hotel project to generate about 130,000 euros a year through tourist tax, building lease payments and municipal tax.

25 apartments planned

The hotel will have 25 apartments with around 82 beds. The municipality said comparable projects showed that directly connecting pools with accommodation businesses could create economic stability and support year-round use of the facilities.

The building is planned with a restrained architectural style and a high-quality wooden facade intended to blend into the existing buildings and surrounding landscape.

Most of the construction will take place on already sealed land, according to the municipality. The existing hard-surface football pitch will be rebuilt on the roof.

The regional pool, which is already under construction next to the hotel project, is expected to cost around 31.2 million euros and open next year. The municipality said using sealed land within the settlement, along with good public transport links and the immediate proximity of existing sports and leisure facilities, would avoid additional land consumption.