Education is a top priority in Erlangen - even in times of financial challenges. In its November meeting, the city council decided to permanently expand the Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium and implement a sustainable solution.
Growing pupil numbers
Forecasts show a significant increase in the coming years. The greatest need for additional rooms is in the natural sciences in particular. The growing number of pupils makes the expansion urgently necessary. "The Emmy Noether Grammar School is the only grammar school in Erlangen with a science and technology focus that has the space to accommodate the growing number of pupils. The school is taking a constructive approach here," explains education officer Anke Steinert-Neuwirth.
A total of 920 square meters of new teaching space
The planned modular building will give the school around 700 square meters of additional main usable space. Existing classrooms will also be converted. This will create a total of 920 square meters of new teaching space. The new modular building will be designed to conserve resources and be sustainable. Including a green roof and a photovoltaic system. Construction work is expected to begin in 2026. The actual implementation stands and falls with the further development of the budget.
Expansion more sustainable and economical
An initial rough cost estimate for the project is around 5.5 million euros. Compared to the originally planned temporary solution, the permanent expansion is not only more sustainable. It is also more economical thanks to better funding opportunities. Full funding through the Bavarian Financial Equalization Act is possible. For the initially planned temporary buildings, only half of the flat-rate costs would be eligible for funding.
Another advantage is the earlier completion of the school's overall expansion: the school's overall expansion would be completed by the start of the 2027/2028 school year instead of 2030/2031. By combining the measures, school operations will be significantly less disrupted during the construction phase. And the compact, two-storey design blends in perfectly with the existing architecture.
Lord Mayor Florian Janik: "With this decision, the city council is showing that even in financially difficult times, we are thinking long-term and want to make targeted investments in education. This decision is a clear commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of young talent."