Due to the increasing demand for OGS places and the legal entitlement to an all-day place from the 2026/2027 school year, the building management of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer took measures at an early stage to ensure the provision of childcare. A comprehensive feasibility study in 2021 showed that a school expansion at St. Franziskus Primary School in Twisteden was necessary to meet the long-term requirements at the location. In the meantime, a pavilion was erected in the schoolyard as an interim solution to meet the urgent need for space.
During the planning phase, it emerged that the existing school annexe was suitable for use as a school. This realization made a major construction project to expand the school unnecessary for the time being. Nevertheless, there is still a need for additional rooms, particularly in view of the growing demand for OGS places. A multifunctional room for homework supervision and other school activities was urgently needed.
Efficient remodeling during the summer vacations
During the summer vacations, the previously partially covered break hall was extensively renovated and converted into a multifunctional space that can be used by both the school and the OGS. The renovation work included the complete renewal of floors, ceilings, walls, windows and doors. Highly efficient LED lighting was also installed to reduce energy consumption. A newly installed acoustic ceiling improves the room acoustics and thus ensures optimal learning conditions. In addition, the building was given a highly thermally insulated window façade to raise the energy standard. The door system was also made barrier-free to make access easier for everyone.
In total, around 15 companies from Kevelaer and the surrounding area worked on the project and ensured that the renovation could be completed within the extended summer vacation period. Various trades, municipal employees, cleaning staff, teachers and the principal were on site until a few hours before the start of school to prepare everything in time for the start.
The costs for the extension amounted to around 230,000 euros. The redesign has made an important contribution to improving the school infrastructure in Twisteden, which will benefit both the school and the OGS in the long term.