Fire protection scandal in Offenbach: Deadline for new library extended!

Fire protection scandal in Offenbach: Deadline for new library extended!

In Offenbach there are now more questions than answers when it comes to fire protection in the city. The problems relating to the lack of fire protection in the ceilings in the former Kaufhof and the Mathildenschule have serious consequences. The city now not only has to expect higher costs, but also significant delays in the construction of the new “Station Mitte” city library, which has now been postponed to 2027. This situation is anything but rosy for everyone involved, reports op online.

The city library was originally planned to open in 2026, but in view of the ongoing fire safety problems, those responsible had to rethink. The tender for the general contractor for the conversion of the department store will not take place until the end of the year at the earliest, as the fire protection issues must first be finally clarified. An initial report on the ceilings was supposed to be prepared in the first quarter, but was not produced because the contracted office was unable to deliver due to “resource constraints”.

The situation in the Mathilden School

The investigations into the Mathilden School, which was built in the 1970s, also pose similar difficulties. The ceilings and supports here also do not comply with fire regulations. In this context, a comprehensive renovation of the reinforced concrete parts is also necessary - a project that will not only cost time but also money. A cost increase in the “mid-single-digit million range” is already expected, which poses major challenges for the city.

The component examinations in the Mathilden School are scheduled for the summer holidays, with an expected delay of three months. The entire process tends to be significantly prolonged due to the deficiencies caused by the construction period. Considering that the storm and sprinkler system in the center station may also need to be expanded, this could be a cost-effective solution to ensure fire safety.

A new learning and cultural center

Despite all the difficulties, there is also positive news. Mayor Felix Schwenke reported on the progress in converting the Kaufhof into a new learning, cultural and meeting center. Citizens will be offered a modern café and even an event hall on the roof. “Station Mitte” is intended to be a place of encounters beyond retail, and its concept is referred to as “third places” where people can linger without being forced to consume. All of this is intended to contribute to the revitalization of the city center, a responsibility that the city of Offenbach takes seriously in order to counteract vacancies.

The extensive clearing work on the former department store is scheduled to be completed by around July 2025, with the building application due to be submitted by autumn. The purchase price for the building was 12.5 million euros, and the renovation work could amount to a sum in the lower double-digit million range offenbach.de reported.

Particular emphasis is placed on compliance with fire safety regulations. Loud brandschutz.berlin The relevant regulations are clear: Fire protection regulations are clearly structured and include both rules of conduct in the event of a fire and regulations for preventing the spread of fire and smoke. While Part A is aimed at all building users, employees receive detailed regulations on safety and the evacuation process. This is to ensure that all potential risks are minimized.

The developments relating to fire protection must now be addressed quickly in order not to push back the opening date of the “Station Mitte” city library any further. The city is faced with the challenge of taking the necessary measures as quickly as possible while keeping an eye on the major goal of a modern, open and inclusive city center.