Topping-out ceremony in Halstenbek: New HOCHTIEF school building supports growing classroom demand

The municipality of Halstenbek is expanding the Wolfgang-Borchert-Gymnasium to support increasing demand for modern and flexible learning spaces. HOCHTIEF is responsible for the planning and construction of the extension and will operate the facility until 2033. Today, project partners marked a key milestone with the topping-out ceremony. Completion is planned for around the turn of the year.

The three-storey building will provide approximately 3,500 square metres of gross floor area. It will serve as an orientation-stage building, bringing the youngest year groups together under one roof. Alongside general classrooms, the building will include specialist spaces such as drama rooms. An open all-day facility on the ground floor will further strengthen the school’s afternoon care offering.

Next phase of campus development reached

The extension forms part of the broader, long-term development of the Wolfgang-Borchert-Gymnasium campus. Delivery has required careful coordination over several months, with multiple construction phases progressing in parallel while school and sports activities have continued.

This has included completion of a new six-court sports hall, demolition of the former facility and preparation of the site for the new building. Since February 2026, the sports hall has been in use by both the school and local clubs. Construction of the new lower secondary building is now well advanced.

Work is also underway to enhance the surrounding campus environment. This includes integrating a new outdoor area for the canteen into the inner courtyard and upgrading the school playground.

“Reconfiguring a school campus while maintaining day-to-day operations requires precise coordination across planning, construction and operations,” says Tobias Lorenz, Member of the Management Board Social Infrastructure Europe at HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions GmbH. “As a long-term partner, we manage these interfaces in an integrated way and deliver a solution that supports both current needs and future use.”

Mayor Jan Krohn highlighted the importance of forward planning and collaboration: “Halstenbek has taken a structured approach to developing its education infrastructure. Delivering this project while keeping the school fully operational reflects strong coordination and a reliable partnership. Together with HOCHTIEF, we are creating a modern learning environment that supports students, teachers and the wider community.”