Hall temporarily closed after pollutants found in the Lobeda-West sports hall complex

Press release from Kommunale Immoblien Jena (KIJ):

After minor damage to a panel of the spectator stand revealed asbestos in a material sample at the beginning of October, we had to temporarily close the games hall in the Lobeda/West sports hall complex. As a precautionary measure, an accredited company was commissioned to examine surface samples for asbestos components in the entire building complex.

This expert report is now available and gives the all-clear: no asbestos fibers were detected in any of the air and dust samples taken. This means that, in retrospect, there was never a health risk to the users of the sports hall.

In close consultation with the Thuringian State Office for Consumer Protection and other responsible authorities, a suitable renovation option for the spectator stands is now being developed. It is certain that the asbestos-containing components in the grandstand area will have to be removed and replaced. The implementation period for this costly and time-consuming measure will be announced in good time.

We are currently examining the extent to which we can allow temporary use of the sports hall until the renovation work is completed in order to minimize the impact on usage and training times. When this is approved, we will inform the schools and clubs accordingly. The grandstand area will be made airtight for this interim use and will remain closed accordingly.

The four other sports halls in the sports hall complex, which were built separately from the affected sports hall, can be used as before. As the company responsible for the sports facilities, we ask for your understanding for this necessary measure.