Wismar District Music School: Moving into containers causes protests!

Wismar District Music School: Moving into containers causes protests!

The “Carl Orff” district music school in Wismar faces an uncertain future, as the usage contract for the building on the gymnasium in need of renovation expires in August 2027. A roof that urgently needs to be renovated and other safety-related deficiencies make it clear that a fundamental renovation cannot be avoided. The total cost of this renovation is estimated at around 12 million euros and the work could take three to four years. During this time the building could not be used, which represents an extremely unsatisfactory prospect for the music school's over 500 students. Parent representatives express concern and demand to be involved in planning future solutions.

In order to avoid a possible closure of the music school, the district administration has examined various options. A proposal to house the music school in a container on the basketball court at an external location of the vocational school center has sparked a lot of criticism. The containers are to be used from 2027, but this interim solution is associated with an estimated cost of three million euros and is considered unsuitable for music lessons. The parents' council has launched a petition to protest against these plans as they fear many students could opt out if classes can no longer take place in the usual premises.

New location from 2031

The long-term strategy envisages moving the music school to the district adult education center building on Badstaven Street. The move is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2031 and has already been supported by a majority of the Committee for Culture and Education. This solution would probably cost around 7.5 million euros and promises a more central location than the container solution. At the adult education center, lessons should then take place in a usable environment that better meets the needs of the music school.

However, there were also considerations about building a new building on the site of the North Vocational School Center, the cost of which is estimated at up to 17.5 million euros. However, this solution would not be possible before 2033. In addition, a return to the old location failed due to high user fees that the city of Wismar charges for the use of the former school building.

The district council's decision on the current plans is expected in the near future and could be crucial for the future of the district music school. Everyone who attends the school or supports the music programs hopes for a solution that provides security and an engaging environment for teachers and students.

Overall, the situation for the district music school remains tense, and it remains to be seen which measures will actually be implemented and whether the concerns of parents and students will be heard. The coming weeks could be crucial for the future of musical life in Wismar.

For further information and developments about the district music school and its relocation plans, you can read the articles on Wismar FM, NDR and Northern Courier track.