The Rottach town hall is ripe for the wrecking ball.
Because renovation would no longer be economical, the municipal council decided to build a new building at the same location.
Rottach-Egern
- The municipality of Rottach-Egern has been concerned with the future of its town hall since 2013.
The building dates from 1865 and has served as the town hall since 1927.
It is now clear: renovation is not worth it, a new building is needed.
As Mayor Christian Köck (CSU) announced in a public meeting, the local council has unanimously decided on the new building.
An inexpensive interim solution is also being sought.
The building does not meet the requirements in terms of energy or functionality
The old building does not meet the requirements in terms of energy, optics or functionality. There is no elevator and no barrier-free access to the offices. Eight years ago, when the canopy, the toilets and the fountain were redesigned on the north side, Andreas Erlacher, architect and FWG council, was asked to determine the cost of a general renovation. The focus was on the facade, new windows, a new roof and the installation of an elevator. At that time, it was agreed that the community lacks the capacity to carry out such a comprehensive renovation while operations continue.
At the end of 2019, the topic came up again.
The Erlacher architectural office was commissioned to carry out a feasibility study for a renovation.
At the meeting on Tuesday evening (September 14th) Erlacher reported to the local council that it soon became clear that renovation would be so expensive that one had to think about the alternative: demolition and new construction in the same place.
Critical voices against renovation became louder and louder
After a detailed examination, also in accordance with the new requirements of the Energy Act, it became apparent that renovation was not only required for the windows and the roof, but also for the building technology, the heating and the shell.
In addition, the administration needs more space, so an extension was also included in the considerations.
“The critical voices against a renovation became louder and louder.
Because renovation makes no sense with the building substance or with a building without a basement, ”summarized Erlacher.
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In seven meetings over the past few months alone, the municipal council dealt with the question of where a new building or partially new building could be built so that the administration can continue to work.
"It was a really long process and a lot of back and forth. But the committee has now decided to tackle the new building," concluded Erlacher.
Mayor Köck specified: “The decision was unanimous.
We see the need and want to set the course for the town hall project in this legislative period.
We have a responsibility and we have a role model function. "
The new town hall is not intended to be a futuristic building
The town hall is to remain in the center of the village and to be built in the same place, just a little further away from the main road. “It shouldn't be a futuristic building, but rather match our architectural style. It should be functional and functional, but compatible with the townscape, ”Köck clarified. There shouldn't be an architectural competition. You want to take your time for the preliminary planning, then quickly demolish the existing building and erect the new building quickly. That is more bearable for the employees and citizens than a floor-by-floor renovation. “The way is goal-oriented and the only sensible one,” said Köck.
Thomas Tomaschek (Greens) and Michael Hagn (Blitz) also saw it that way.
According to their own statements, both had initially viewed the new building with great skepticism.
Now Tomaschek also said with a view to the tax money: “I am fully for it.” And Hagn said: “I let myself be convinced.
Refurbishment would be at least as expensive as a new building. ”Careful, flexible planning and an inexpensive interim solution are important to him.
The project must be advertised throughout Europe
The committee has decided to commission the land-use planning and to work with the experts from the procurement center.
You want to take your time for the preparatory work.
In any case, a project of this size has to be advertised across Europe.
Mayor Köck promised to keep the citizens informed about the progress of the project.
At the meeting there was no further information on costs and schedule.
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