Construction of a new school in the Ruhr region

In the heart of Kettwig, on Mintarder Weg, a new chapter in education is about to unfold. The city of Essen is investing approximately 24 million euros in the construction of a modern, sustainable primary school, set to accommodate around 220 students.

The groundbreaking ceremony for this exciting project took place on 05.09.2025, with Mayor Thomas Kufen, Muchtar Al Ghusain, and other stakeholders in attendance. The school, dubbed "Schule an der Ruhr," is being designed by Matthias Solbach, who leads the project for SSP AG. The building is planned to meet the passive house standard, ensuring a comfortable, energy-efficient learning environment.

The school's layout consists of four structures connected by a central core, providing ample space for open all-day areas, a gymnasium, an auditorium, a schoolyard, additional rooms for teaching, technology, and administration. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to be ready for the 2027/28 school year.

However, the journey to this point was not without its challenges. In December 2016, the previous school on the Ruhr was found to be contaminated with tetrachloroethene. As a result, the school was closed, and temporary classes were moved to Gustavstraße 26 annex. A feasibility study conducted in 2019 revealed further contamination in the school building and soil, leading to the city council's decision to demolish the school and plan for a new two-winged primary school.

Despite these obstacles, the city council remained committed to providing a safe and modern learning environment for the children of Kettwig. In August 2020, they voted for the new school, paving the way for the groundbreaking ceremony the following year.

The new school is more than just a place for children to learn; it is a place for them to grow, form friendships, and harness digital opportunities. It aims to foster creative minds and teach responsibility, preparing the next generation for a bright future.

As the construction progresses, the people of Essen eagerly await the opening of this beacon of learning on the Ruhr. The school promises to be a significant addition to the educational landscape of the city, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the children of Kettwig to thrive in.