Studentenwerk Leipzig has launched the first Germany-wide modernisation project for student accommodation as part of the “Junges Wohnen” construction funding programme. The student hall of residence at Arno-Nitzsche-Straße 44 is being modernised at a cost of almost 6 million euros, of which around 4 million euros will come from the construction funding programme. Saxony’s Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow and the President of Deutsches Studierendenwerk (DSW) Beate Schücking visited the construction project for the official start of construction on 11 March 2024.
The funding from the programme was used efficiently, as DSW President Schücking emphasised: “Saxony is implementing the ‘Junges Wohnen’ programme in an exemplary manner; it hands out the funding to its student unions completely, quickly and unbureaucratically.” The funding rate of 60% of the total costs enables affordable modernisation despite drastically increased construction prices.
Studentenwerk Leipzig will receive a total of 15.6 million euros for further modernisation projects until 2027. Managing Director Dr. Andrea Diekhof is delighted with the funding: “We are very grateful to the federal and free state governments for this.” In view of the increasing demand for affordable housing in Leipzig, the Studentenwerk is also planning to expand capacity through new construction projects. The Studentenwerk is currently in talks with the City of Leipzig and the Free State of Saxony to find a suitable plot of land/building for a new student hall of residence. As new construction projects are currently no longer feasible without state funding, the Managing Director of Studentenwerk Leipzig sees the “Junges Wohnen” programme as a great opportunity. “We therefore very much hope that the federal government will make this programme permanent,” says Diekhof.
The modernisation project in Arno-Nitzsche-Straße is due to be completed by September, with new lettings scheduled to start in October 2024. The comprehensive refurbishment includes technical installations, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, floors and the creation of additional dormitory spaces.
