Werder Bremen’s new performance centre

One of the project‘s greatest challenges was the location of the site within a flood-prone area. Geo3 therefore developed a comprehensive flood mitigation and stormwater management concept that established new benchmarks during the planning phase.

Rather than relying on conventional drainage systems, a concept was developed using pipe-free drainage ­trenches, infiltration trenches and extensive infiltration areas, making it possible to completely eliminate inspection chambers, drains and pipelines. As a result, cleaning and flushing out fine sediment deposits or replacing displaced pipelines after a flood event is neither necessary nor feasible.

What happens in case of flooding?

In addition, all electrical components were protected against harmful water ingress, ensuring that they remain fully operational after flooding. The entire main and sub-distribution system, as well as mast transition boxes, sock­ets and switches, were installed at a minimum height of 2.00 m. Necessary underfloor electrical outlets ­required for supply and disposal were housed in watertight tanks.

The reinforced ball-stop fence posts along the outer perimeter were structurally designed to withstand and retain flood-borne debris, thereby protecting the sports performance centre itself from con­tamination and damage.

All measures were designed to ensure that the facility could be brought back into operation quickly and without major damage following flood events.

And what about the site's microclimate?

A particularly noteworthy achievement is the significant increase in the site‘s stormwater retention capac­ity. While the existing facility provided approximately 600 m³ of storage volume, the new development has increased this to more than 1,600 m³. The concept is further enhanced by permeable climate paving, which captures and temporarily stores rainfall before releas­ing it through evaporation, thereby contributing posi­tively to the site‘s microclimate.

In addition, Geo3 was responsible for coordinating the complete reorgani­sation of the site, including the integration of new development areas, the creation of additional sports and recreational spaces, and the phased implementation of the project while training activities continued uninter­rupted. The result is a highly efficient facility layout that maximises the avail­able space while remaining adaptable to future operational requirements.

Following completion of the planning phase, Weitzel Sportstättenbau took over the construction implementation of the ­project, coordinated by Geo3. The construction requirements were exceptionally demanding: extensive earthworks, the installation of complex sub-base structures, integration of the sophisticated drainage system, and the precise installation of the new ­playing surfaces all had to be completed within a tight construction sched­ule – partly while training operations continued uninterrupted.

Particular attention was paid to the interaction between the engineered sub-base, the drainage infrastructure and ­TenCate‘s Pure PT™ synthetic turf system. Only through the precise coordination of all components was it possible to achieve the required performance standards.

Werder Bremen‘s iconic diamond-­shaped club crest reinforces the club‘s identity

Weitzel Sportstättenbau delivered the sports facilities with the highest level of technical precision, creating the foundation for year-round, elite-level training. At the same time, circulation routes, spectator areas and supporting infrastructure were integrated into a contemporary landscape design. One ­distinctive feature is the incorporation of Werder Bremen‘s iconic diamond-­shaped club crest into the paved areas, reinforcing the club‘s identity throughout the external environment.

Sustainability objectives were also implemented consistently throughout the construction phase. The result is a facility that not only optimises day-to-day training operations but is also designed to meet the challenges of future climate conditions.