Radeberg: Stadtmitte primary school is being modernized – elevator and toilets are coming!

Radeberg: Stadtmitte primary school is being modernized – elevator and toilets are coming!

Something is happening at the Stadtmitte elementary school in Radeberg: The school, which at the beginning of the 2024/25 school year has an impressive 102 first-graders in four first classes and is therefore the largest in the district, is facing significant modernization. Headmaster Susanne Krohn reported to us that the teaching organization is currently going well, but that there is a need for action in the school's basement. The dining room is simply too small for the more than 360 students, so only 44 children can currently eat at the same time. As a result, the hot meal has to be eaten in shifts, which has a major impact on the students' daily routine. In order to overcome this challenge, extensive construction work is currently taking place in the basement.

For the construction work, an interim container was set up in the schoolyard, which serves as a dining room and serving kitchen. The costs for the basement renovation amount to an impressive 1.6 million euros - an amount that exceeds the original estimates. The shell construction work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2026, while commissioning is planned after the 2026 winter holidays. Parents have so far reported that food has been served smoothly in the container, which makes the situation more pleasant for the students, at least during the transition period.

Necessary modernizations

But that's not all: the school's 30-year-old toilets are also to be modernized. After the dining room has been converted, an interim container toilet facility will be set up. These measures are part of comprehensive planning, which also includes the installation of an elevator to ensure the school is barrier-free. Planned work on the upper floors during the 2026 summer holidays also includes converting to energy-saving LED lighting in nine classrooms and necessary painting work. The cost estimate for the work on the upper floors is around 134,000 euros.

The importance of accessibility is reflected not only in the buildings, but also in the requirements placed on modern schools. According to the specialist magazine DAB Online, the planning of ramps and elevators for wheelchair users are essential aspects that ensure accessibility for all students. For example, barrier-free sanitary rooms must be accessible to wheelchair users with movement areas of at least 1.50 x 1.50 m and doors with a clearance of 90 cm. These are standards that are not only legally required, but also promote student independence and well-being.

A positive conclusion

Headmistress Krohn sees the upcoming construction work as entirely positive and has confidence in the school's experience with construction projects. Despite the inconvenience caused by noise pollution, the goal is clear: a modern, barrier-free school that meets the needs of all students will become a reality in Radeberg. This is a step in the right direction to provide students with a pleasant and contemporary learning environment.

For further information about accessibility in schools, it is worth taking a look at the Grundschul-Blog website and DAB Online, which provide valuable information.