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New commercial kitchen in Bautzen: 18 million for the rehabilitation of inmates!
Bautzen is investing 18 million euros in a new commercial kitchen for the prison, which will prepare 760 meals a day in the future.
New commercial kitchen in Bautzen: 18 million for the rehabilitation of inmates!
The Bautzen Correctional Facility is in the middle of renovation, and more than just something new is being created here. Since 2022, work has been underway on a modern commercial kitchen, which is being supported by the Free State of Saxony with an investment volume of around 18 million euros. The goal is clear: the new kitchen will be able to prepare up to 760 meals a day. These are aimed not only at the prisoners, but also at the staff and visitors to the institution. Here we not only cook, but also work on the future of the inmates.
The challenges that delayed the construction process included unpleasant surprises regarding the building site. However, the project is currently on the home stretch. Interior construction is in full swing and completion is expected by the middle of next year. With its beige facade, the new building fits harmoniously into the institution's historical ensemble. Security precautions are cleverly hidden behind filter masonry so that everyday operations in the correctional facility are not disrupted. The construction site is only accessible to authorized persons, and cell phones must be left at the entrance.
A path to rehabilitation
The educational component of the project is particularly exciting: the new kitchen will become a central place for resocialization. Inmates have the opportunity to be trained in various professions, such as cooking or service. These qualifications are not only exciting, but also in demand on the job market. The aim is to enable inmates to have a smooth transition back into society. The concept of "activating prison" promotes prisoners' participation and insight, which is essential for successful treatment. This philosophy is supported by individually tailored treatment measures, which also include offers such as anti-violence training and relapse prevention.
Construction supervision is in the hands of Detlef Peter, who ensures that everything goes according to plan. Despite the ongoing construction work, care is being taken to ensure that everyday life within the prison is disrupted as little as possible. Security measures are high and access to the construction site is strictly regulated - after all, there is no visible gap that allows a view of the new building.
The new commercial kitchen is scheduled to open its doors in summer 2026. Until then, not only will we tinker and work, but we will also work on the perspective of the inmates. The project shows how social and culinary aspects in prison can go hand in hand and represents an important step in prison reform.
For more information about the construction progress and the rehabilitation concept, visit MDR and Saxon, where you can find out more about the background. You can also find interesting perspectives for the penal system at Justice NRW.