Saarland’s residential property company WOGE Saar is building a new kindergarten with 144 spaces in the largest district of St. Ingbert. Subject to planning permission being granted, initial work is due to begin on the 28,50 m2 site during the year. The planned solid structure with flat roof, photovoltaic system and heat pump is estimated to cost 8.5 million euros.
This will be the fourth kindergarten that WOGE Saar has constructed. CEO Mirco Bertucci emphasised: ‘We are looking forward to creating somewhere that will significantly relieve the burden on Rohrbach families. It will offer 144 children tailored support built on a modern concept of early childhood education, as well as an inclusive approach where required. Our experience in developing kindergartens gives us the expertise we need and a strong network of partners. The previous kindergarten projects that we have completed are a testament to this.’
WOGE’s authorised officer Britta Lösing explained that ‘the future kindergarten will have eight different groups. Three of these will be designed to take a maximum of eleven children aged under three.’ These will be paired with three kindergarten groups for up to 25 older girls and boys, as well as two inclusive groups that will offer a maximum of 18 spots for children with special needs. Other inclusive spaces could be created if required.
Preparations
According to Raffaella Del Fa, head of the town hall’s urban development department, the project is ‘already the bag in terms of planning permission’. This is because the St. Ingbert town council agreed to the development plan at the end of last year. A leasehold agreement is now being concluded with WOGE Saar. Under this, the town grants the developer the right to erect a building on the site but remains the property owner.
Who will operate the kindergarten remains to be seen. The town is currently in negotiations with various providers.
As well as the municipality and district, this project also involves the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Affairs, State Office for Social Affairs and other partners. There are various guidelines that must be adhered to during preparations, and in addition, developers overseeing projects of this kind must comply with the Ministry of Education’s space allocation plan, which sets out clear requirements for the number of children permitted.
The residential property company is hoping that the plans will be approved and planning permission granted as quickly as possible. This will enable an official application to be made. The aim is to complete site preparations in the autumn and then start construction work this same year. The building phase is expected to last for two years. The kindergarten could potentially then open its doors in early 2029.
