New construction of the city church Großröhrsdorf: A place of the community is being built!

New construction of the city church Großröhrsdorf: A place of the community is being built!

Großröhrsdorf, Deutschland - The city church in Großröhrsdorf, a landmark of the community, experienced a tragic fate in August 2023. After a devastating fire, which was deliberately laid by a 41-year-old man, the building burned down to the foundations. The polluter was sentenced to nine years in prison in February 2024 for serious arson because he acted on the parish out of hatred. The fire ruins do not without consequences: The Evangelical Lutheran parish of Großröhrsdorf-Kleinröhrsdorf has tackled the reconstruction of the city church, like Sächsische.de reported.

In order to give the new church a modern and inviting appearance, an architectural competition was launched. The board of directors of the parish has already taken the first steps: an exhibition text is created to define the requirements for the new plans. Josias Kaiser, a member of the church council, made it clear the results of a survey in which around 700 citizens took part. The population wants a new, visible church tower to shape the city's silhouette. Aspects such as accessibility, child-friendliness and the integration of elements of the old church are also to be taken into account, such as katholisch.de.

planning details and competition process

The draft for the new town church will be light, modern and flexible. Inside, around 300 seats are planned for church services and events, with the opportunity to make the room adaptable for smaller groups of 30 to 80 people. Central elements such as cross and altar, as well as an organ are integrated into the design. A lounge area and its own church café ensure inviting community places. The aim is to establish the church as a place for all generations, such as families or children's groups. In addition, an outdoor area is planned to serve as a "green oasis" for encounters and open-air services.

The clearance of the fire ruins has already started, and the costs for the planned new building are estimated at around 35 million euros, which are expected to be borne by the insurance company. So far, over 520,000 euros in donations have been received. After completing the competition in late autumn 2023, a design and approval planning is planned to begin in spring 2026. However, an optimistic start of construction is not expected before mid -2027.

challenges and opportunities

The parish not only sees a challenge in this process, but also a great opportunity for the community. Competitions offer the possibility to find innovative solutions and are a proven procedure to ensure planning security and quality, as well as in future church rooms. A precise task is crucial to make the competition successful. Experts and laypeople are working together to develop a new church architecture that meets the needs of the community and at the same time respects traditions.

While the plans for rebirth of the city church accept concrete forms, the hope of the community remains unbroken. It is being worked on to create a place of faith and gathering that connects people and sets a strong sign of renewal.