Future for the Prussian Court: refugee accommodation in sight!

Future for the Prussian Court: refugee accommodation in sight!

in Liebenwalde, a small town in the Oberhavel district, there are significant developments around the former hotel "Preussischer Hof". The district plans to convert this building that has been unused since 2017 into accommodation for refugees. This decision is shown in response to the need to create additional living spaces for the increasing number of refugees who have arrived in the region.

The once so busy hotel, which was considered "Lost Place" after its closure, is now to be converted into active use. The district is aiming to provide 110 seats in one of the two bed houses, the better preserved bed house "Louise" by the end of the year. The work has already started, even if the challenges should not be underestimated.

The conversion to refugee accommodation

The design of the "Prussian Court" will include a variety of aspects. In addition to the "Louise" bed house, which is still in an acceptable condition, the neighboring "Henriette" bed house is also repaired. However, extensive renovations are necessary here, since the sanitary facilities and windows have been affected. In contrast, the leisure center is in such a bad condition that use is excluded, as social director Tobias Berger reports.

In order to adequately accommodate the refugees, the district plans to set up a community kitchen in the reception center, where the residents can cook independently. External food deliveries are not intended, which should enable the new residents more independence. In addition, washing and drying rooms are set up to cover basic needs.

The entire process is accompanied by guard protection, which ensures that only justified people have access to accommodation. This is regarded as a necessary measure to ensure security and order on the site.

Financial challenges in the renovation

One of the greatest challenges in conversion of the "Prussian court" lies in the area of fire protection, for which several investments are necessary. Here the electrical systems must be thoroughly checked in order to exclude possible risks. Tobias Berger admits that the exact costs cannot be quantified at the moment, since there are many uncertainties, in particular with regard to the renovation costs.

The planning also provides for an improvement in the outdoor facilities. Possible play equipment for children in the courtyard is being considered to offer the new residents, especially families, a little more quality of life.

This development is a clear step of the district to find both short-term and long-term solutions for the accommodation of refugees. In addition to the renovation work at the "Prussian Court", the purchase of 32 rental apartments nearby was also confirmed, which shows that the district is trying to offer perspectives to the local members.

The Oberhavel Verkehrsgesellschaft is planning a bus connection to Bischofswerder, which is scheduled to go into operation for the upcoming winter schedule. This measure will benefit both the new residents of the accommodation and the local residents.

With these comprehensive plans, the district of Oberhavel initiative shows initiative to meet the challenges of refugee accommodation. The information about the "Prussian Court" and the progress are to be regarded as part of a larger strategy that aims to show solidarity with refugees and at the same time respect the needs of the existing community. For further information on this topic, we recommend the article on www.maz-online.de .