First stone for the school for the physically disabled
Foundation stone laid for special education centre on Heinrich-Schütz-Straße
Today was an important day for the largest school construction project of this year: the laying of the foundation stone for the Special Education Centre - Chemnitz School for the Physically Disabled. Mayor Barbara Ludwig, Jörg Heynoldt, Head of the Chemnitz Regional Office of the Saxon Education Agency, Headmistress Annett Goerlitz and Karla Lämmel, Head of All-Day Care, welcomed those present. Pupils, teachers, political representatives and those involved in the construction work watched the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone on Heinrich-Schütz-Straße.
Mayor Barbara Ludwig pointed out the special significance of this building project: "The special education centre is a school that has an impact beyond the city limits and provides an important basis for participation in everyday life for pupils with physical and mental disabilities. I am grateful for this special educational centre. This school campus, with an investment of 32.6 million euros, will be the largest school building project in Chemnitz and far beyond in the coming years. With the construction of the new school for the physically disabled and a further 40 million euros from the school building construction programme, we will be able to tackle many important projects at Chemnitz schools, even if not all of them. With the announced continuation in 2015 / 2016, we want to continue this in order to put all Chemnitz schools in good condition step by step. "
On 20 June 2012, the Chemnitz City Council approved the construction of new school facilities at the Heinrich-Schütz-Straße site. A total of 32.6 million euros will be invested in the extensive construction project. The Free State is subsidising the construction with a total of €14.8 million. The city of Chemnitz itself is investing €17.8 million.School with all-day care, sports hall, dormitory and therapy rooms
The building is due to be completed at the end of next year. Then 230 pupils with physical disabilities will be able to enjoy 250 new barrier-free rooms for learning, playing and living, totalling 13,650 m². The new school site will house the school for the physically disabled, a two-court sports hall with outdoor facilities, a residential home, all-day care for children and young people with physical and multiple disabilities as well as therapy rooms with a therapy pool and gymnastics room.
Construction preparations for the special educational needs centre began in January 2012. The 6-hectare site had to be levelled, planned and prepared. The former barracks buildings still standing on the site were completely demolished by May 2012. Explosive ordnance investigations were carried out. The official ground-breaking ceremony took place in August 2012. Around 1600 piles were driven into the ground to provide a stable foundation for the future building.
When planning the special education centre, it was important to create harmony between architecture, living, learning, working and nature. The school for the physically disabled will be located in the centre of the urban district of Sonnenberg and right next to the Zeisigwald recreational area. The close connection to city life should make it easier for pupils to participate independently in public life.