Goslar: Oker Primary School Construction Reaches Key Milestone
Oker's new primary school nears completion with 24/7 modular assembly
Construction of the new primary school in Oker is progressing rapidly and has now entered a critical phase: following the successful pouring of the foundation slab, assembly of the school building will begin early next week, according to a statement from the city.
Mayor Urte Schwerdtner recently toured the site alongside Daniel Gintaut, deputy operations manager of Goslar Building Management (GGM), and his colleague Kourosh Zalakzadeh, as well as Mara-Lena Macke, head of the city's Education and Social Services department, her colleague Elisa-Marei Mühleweg, and Claudia Kohl, principal of Oker Primary School, to review the construction progress.
New School Built Using Modern Modular Construction
The new school is being constructed using state-of-the-art modular techniques. A total of 66 prefabricated components will be assembled in a staggered, "Lego-style" configuration using a crane and secured to formwork frames. A major advantage: all building services are already fully integrated into each module. Assembly of each component is expected to take around 40 minutes, with work proceeding in a continuous 24-hour operation to accelerate progress. After delivery, the modules are briefly stored at the Immenröder Straße operations yard before being installed on-site. Despite a current delay of about four weeks, the goal remains unchanged: the start of full-day operations at the beginning of the new school year is still on track. Principal Claudia Kohl and the city's Education and Social Services department are in close contact with parents regarding the transition. Once the school is officially handed over, interior fittings can begin.
Primary School to Feature Modern, Digital Infrastructure
The new primary school will be equipped with modern, digital technology: smartboards will be standard, alongside digital devices and a high-performance network infrastructure. Around €200,000 has been allocated for furniture and interior fittings, while construction costs amount to approximately €6.7 million. A temporary solution will initially be used for student meals. "We plan to start with lunchboxes to ensure a smooth beginning for full-day operations," explains Mara-Lena Macke, head of the city's Education and Social Services. Construction began in mid-February with site preparation, including setting up fencing and extensive groundwork. Meanwhile, the expansion and renovation of the multipurpose hall (MZH), with estimated costs exceeding €9 million, are also underway. However, completion has been delayed due to unexpected hazardous material remediation, with the project now expected to finish by the end of the year. Current plans anticipate the hall will be available for use starting in February 2027—nearly three years after construction began—at the start of the second school term.
Oker Multipurpose Hall to Serve as Community Hub
Like the multipurpose halls in Jerstedt and Hahndorf, the Oker facility is designed first and foremost as a gathering place for local residents. It will feature a spacious multipurpose room adjacent to the gymnasium, a kitchen, and a small terraced outdoor area. The multipurpose room and hall—which will host not only sports but also events and celebrations—can accommodate municipal functions, local club tournaments, and private gatherings. The hall will be available for rent at a fee. Schools will also benefit, using the space for events such as enrollment ceremonies or other school functions.
Modern Educational and Community Spaces for the City
Mayor Schwerdtner underscored the importance of these projects for the location: "With the new Oker Primary School and the parallel development of the multipurpose hall, we are making targeted investments in modern educational and community spaces for our city. Even with construction delays, our commitment remains clear: we are creating a place where learning, physical activity, and community will thrive under optimal long-term conditions. The fact that full-day operations can begin as planned demonstrates the dedication of everyone involved—I extend my heartfelt thanks for their hard work."
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