Halle invests €60M in school renovations and expansions

Halle approves €60M school upgrades to modernize key campuses

Halle City Council Approves Over €60 Million in School Investments Without Debate

In a series of resolutions passed on Wednesday, Halle (Saale)'s city council approved investments totaling more than €60 million—without further discussion. The funds will primarily support the renovation and expansion of Johannesschule, the shared building housing Am Kirchteich Primary School and Gotthilf Salzmann Special Needs School, as well as the construction of a modern assembly hall at Christian-Wolff-Gymnasium.

With €15 million allocated for the new assembly hall at Christian-Wolff-Gymnasium, €25.6 million for Johannesschule, and roughly €23 million for the Am Kirchteich school complex, the total investment represents an extraordinary sum even for a major city like Halle. What stands out is not just the scale of funding but also the political unity behind the decisions.

The lack of debate in the city council suggests broad consensus. Education has long been recognized as a key factor in a city's appeal, and school investments are increasingly seen as investments in its future viability. At the same time, there is a sense of urgency: many school buildings date back to eras when different pedagogical approaches prevailed and energy efficiency was not a priority.

The newly approved measures go beyond mere maintenance. They aim to rethink school structures fundamentally, aligning them with the demands of the 21st century.

Christian-Wolff-Gymnasium: A New Building as an Educational Hub

The planned assembly hall extension at Christian-Wolff-Gymnasium exemplifies how school infrastructure can evolve to balance functionality, pedagogy, and sustainability. Spanning approximately 1,800 square meters, the new wing will not only provide additional space but also redefine school life.

The ground floor will feature a multifunctional hall for dining and events, complemented by a music room that doubles as a stage—integrating cultural activities more deeply into daily school routines. The upper floor will house specialized classrooms for art and music, connected by open communication zones designed to encourage interaction among students. The top floor will include a library with individual study spaces and a learning terrace—a quiet retreat for focused work that also offers new perspectives on learning.

The building's construction reflects a commitment to modern standards. The use of recycled concrete reduces CO₂ emissions, while repurposed façade elements from a high-rise on Richard-Paulick-Straße underscore resource-efficient building practices. An aluminum curtain wall with a high recycled content aligns with this sustainable approach.

The new extension will also free up space in the existing school building. Areas previously used for other purposes can now be repurposed for classrooms, an expanded staff lounge, or a student café—highlighting the school's shift toward becoming not just a place of learning, but a living community.

Salzmann Special Needs School and Am Kirchteich Primary School: Inclusion Through Architecture

The Am Kirchteich school campus presents a unique challenge, as it houses both a primary school and a special needs school under one roof. With an investment of around €23 million, the building will undergo comprehensive renovation and functional restructuring.

The redesign moves away from traditional corridor-based layouts in favor of open learning landscapes. Strategically placed walkways create spacious communication zones that extend teaching beyond the classroom, enabling new forms of learning. Classrooms and group work areas are interconnected to form flexible units that support both individual and collaborative work.

Clear Structure and Accessibility: Key Priorities for the Special Needs School

For the special needs school, the building's clear and logical layout is of particular importance. A well-organized system of pathways simplifies navigation and helps meet the specific needs of students. At the same time, the functional separation between the two school types is maintained without compromising the shared use of central areas.

A central focus of the renovation is ensuring full accessibility. An external elevator will soon provide access to nearly all floors, significantly improving entry for all users. Only the top floor of the special needs school will remain inaccessible from the outside due to structural constraints, though organizational measures will compensate for this limitation.

The building will also undergo comprehensive technical and aesthetic upgrades. The façade will receive new insulation, windows will be preserved and refurbished where possible, and interior spaces will be thoroughly modernized. New flooring, improved acoustics, and a thoughtful color scheme will create a learning environment that is both functional and inviting. Notably, the approach prioritizes sustainability by reusing existing structural elements rather than hastily replacing them.

Johannesschule: A Space for Education and Childcare

The renovation of Johannesschule adopts an integrative approach that equally serves both the school and its after-school care program. With an investment of €25.6 million, a spatial concept developed in close consultation with users is being implemented, aiming to eliminate redundant structures while optimizing conditions for both education and childcare.

In the future, the school will occupy the upper floors of the main building, while the after-school program will be housed on the ground floor. This clear spatial division streamlines organization, ensuring that both teaching and childcare can operate efficiently. The existing facilities will be expanded with new activity spaces and a multifunctional area serving as both an assembly hall and cafeteria, available to both institutions.

Special attention has been given to the design of the corridors, which will no longer serve merely as transit zones. By widening sections and adding natural light, bright, open areas are created that can also function as social and communication hubs. Coat storage will be integrated, and the overall design will enhance orientation and comfort.

The historic gymnasiums will be preserved and continue to see heavy use, meeting the school's physical education needs while also remaining available to local clubs. This dual function reinforces the site's role as a vital social gathering place beyond the school context.

Accessibility will be ensured through the installation of an elevator connecting all levels of the building, marking another significant step toward an inclusive educational landscape.