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Seelow: Historic cultural center receives 4.6 million euros for renovation!
Seelow is renovating the cultural center and transformer station with 4.6 million euros from EU and city funds to strengthen cultural infrastructure.
Seelow: Historic cultural center receives 4.6 million euros for renovation!
The town of Seelow in the Märkisch-Oderland district is planning the comprehensive renovation of its cultural center and the former transformer station. A total budget of around 4.6 million euros has been made available for the construction project. Almost 4 million euros of this comes from funding from the European Union, while the city of Seelow contributes around 600,000 euros from its budget. The funding decision for the EU funds was handed over on Monday by Infrastructure Minister Detlef Tabbert, who emphasized the importance of supporting small towns in Brandenburg. “Today we are promoting the preservation of cultural identity,” explained the minister.
The cultural center was built between 1954 and 1957 in the classicist style according to plans by the architect Hans-Jürgen Kluge and is considered a remarkable example of cultural centers in the GDR. Not only is it a listed building, but it has also played a central role in the city's cultural life, with up to 400 events per year being evidence of this. However, the preservation of the building is urgently needed: there is a great need for renovation due to damage to the roof, facade and foundation walls, which endangers the preservation of the individual monument.
Renovation measures and further use
The renovation concept provides for several important measures. In addition to the roof and facade renovation, work is also underway to drain the building, refresh the parquet and improve accessibility. In addition, the heating and electrical systems are to be modernized. The former transformer station, which will undergo some conversion methods, will serve civil protection purposes in the future and accommodate relevant equipment.
The city of Seelow is actively involved in the federal-state program “Active City Centers” and will also be supported in the “Living Centers” program from 2020. As part of the renovation, the potential of climate-friendly urban development will also be brought into focus, with the aim of promoting socially balanced and economically attractive places.
Monument preservation and cultural heritage
The cultural center and its surrounding facilities, including the transformer station, the park and open space as well as a primary school, have been a listed ensemble since 1982. The renovation initiative fits into the ongoing efforts of the state of Brandenburg to protect and further develop its architectural heritage. As part of the Monument Aid funding program, additional support is offered to ensure that important cultural monuments are not forgotten.
The total costs of the renovation amount to around 4.58 million euros, of which 2.75 million euros come from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2028 and represents the state and city of Seelow's ongoing commitment to the cultural infrastructure and social life in the region.