Fridolin School Lörrach: Refurbishment costs over 1 million euros more!

Fridolin School Lörrach: Refurbishment costs over 1 million euros more!

Lörrach, Deutschland - The general renovation of the Fridolin School in Lörrach turned out to be more expensive than originally planned. The local media currently report that the costs are around 800,000 euros above the budget, which was estimated for the comprehensive renovation project. This is done against the background that the entire investment volume includes around 13 million euros, which include the schoolyard and the new building of the sports hall in addition to the school buildings. Mayor Monika Neuhöfer-Avdic emphasizes that the funding amount of around 1.3 million euros is significantly inadequate in order to cover the realistic costs. The additional costs result from a number of unforeseen circumstances, starting with stronger damage to the roof structure to a forgotten house connection for the district heating network.

The additional costs are composed:

• 250,000 euros for damage to the roof construction
• 100,000 euros for the forgotten house connection
• 150,000 euros for additional expenses in the deep yard
• 110,000 euros for tile work
• 192,000 euros for adjustments to the additional costs

additional challenges and progress

Another aspect of the renovation is the new district heating connection, which increases the proportion of renewable energies to 70%. It is particularly gratifying that the changeover can reduce the energy price per kilowatt hour compared to 2020 by around 50%. The extensive renovation also includes the new covering of the listed slate roof and led to the creation of additional areas that are available both indoors and in the new atrium.

The measures began in January 2022, with the aim of completing all work by summer 2024. Despite the delays in the construction period, many steps have already taken place: the dismantling has been completed, the drywall work has started, and the construction of the elevator shaft has also been promoted. The technical equipment of the school is expanded, with renovations in electrical installation and fire protection measures.

political reactions to the cost explosion

The political reactions to the unexpected costs and the course of the project are mixed, but mostly positive. Fritz Böhler from the Greens described the investment as sustainable, while Jürgen Exner from the CDU showed understanding for the additional costs and found the overall result appealing. Christiane Cyperrek from the SPD praised the initiative as a showcase project and Georg Leisinger from the free voters pointed out the often unpredictable challenges of construction sites.

Despite the additional expenses that the city has to invest in the renovation of the Fridolin School, the participants are optimistic that the completion of the project will benefit both the students and the entire school community. Experts are looking forward to the conclusion of the work, which should benefit not only education, but also the environment through the use of renewable energies.