The Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb Nordrhein-Westfalen (BLB NRW) has completely modernized the former Public Goods Testing Office for Textiles in Mönchengladbach, which is a listed building, in a short period of time. The historic building will be used in the future by the Hochschule Niederrhein. To mark the degree of modernization, Till Neschen, head of the Duisburg branch of BLB NRW, today presented the symbolic key to Prof. Dr. Fabienne Köller-Marek, chancellor of the university.
The former public goods testing office for the textile industry in Mönchengladbach, which was built in the 1910s and is a listed building, looks like new. Today, the historic building is part of the Mönchengladbach campus of The Hochschule Niederrhein (HS Niederrhein) as "Building K". In a construction period of just two years, BLB NRW completely gutted the three-story building measuring around 750 square meters, renewed the interior fittings and technology, and created barrier-free access by adding a stair tower with elevator system.
The building will serve as a central contact point for services related to studies: Examinations Office, Student Services and various university administration units, which are currently housed in different locations on the university campus in Mönchengladbach, will be bundled there. The premises on the second floor will also be used for the university's Startup Lab as a contact point for young founders.
"The result of the modernization is impressive," announced BLB NRW branch manager Till Neschen on the occasion of the handover of the keys, praising in particular how carefully the existing building fabric was handled. "The addition of the barrier-free stair and elevator tower in contemporary architecture complements the historic existing building and fits well into a successful overall picture."
"With the renovation, we have created the best conditions for our students, lecturers and staff," says Chancellor Prof. Dr. Köller-Marek. "In the future, we will have a central and modern contact point here for all important services related to studies at the Mönchengladbach site."
State-of-the-art conditions in historic building fabric
In addition to the barrier-free access extension on the courtyard side of the building, BLB NRW has modernized the entire interior and brought the technology up to the latest standards. Among other things, all ceiling linings, walls and floor coverings were renewed. Listed access doors and windows were partially removed, extensively restored or rebuilt true to the original in accordance with the requirements of historic preservation. In the course of the renovation work, the roof surfaces were also renewed. All technical installations now also meet the latest standards. Over 6.5 kilometers of electrical and fiber optic cables were laid in and around the building. A new ventilation system with high-performance heat recovery ensures a pleasant indoor climate in all offices. The building technology can also be remotely monitored and controlled during ongoing university operations.
The interiors are bright, transparent, flooded with light and friendly, creating a good working atmosphere. Only energy-saving LED technology was installed for the lighting.
In harmony with listed neighboring buildings
Visually, the ensemble of listed existing buildings with the extension in contemporary architecture at this location does justice to its historical significance. The renovated building forms the starting point for the further upcoming conversions and modernizations for the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at the university location in Mönchengladbach, as well as for the replacement building of the textile hall on Rheydter Straße. In addition to the modernizations, this constructional development is intended to promote networking between the buildings and the various faculties on the campus.
About Bau und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB NRW)
BLB NRW is the owner and lessor of almost all real estate in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. With around 4,100 buildings, a rental area of around 10.4 million square meters and annual rental income of around 1.4 billion euros, BLB NRW manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Europe. Its services include the development and planning, construction and modernization, as well as management and sale of technically and architecturally highly complex properties. In addition, BLB NRW plans and implements the civil and military construction measures of the Federal Republic of Germany in North Rhine-Westphalia within the framework of federal construction. BLB NRW employs more than 2,700 employees at eight locations. For more information, visit www.blb.nrw.de
About The Hochschule Niederrhein
The Hochschule Niederrhein, with 13,115 students (as of WiSe 22/23), is one of the largest and most efficient universities of applied sciences in Germany, with campuses in Krefeld and Mönchengladbach. Our profile in teaching education and research combines technology and society.
With 87 Bachelor's and 27 Master's degree programmes, we open up perspectives for young people. Thanks to problem- and transfer-oriented research, we are an innovative driving force for companies in the region. We ensure that our society can approach challenges well prepared. The Hochschule Niederrhein was founded in 1971. Its roots go back to 1855, when the Crefeld Higher Weaving School was founded.
Contact for media:
Liane Gerardi
Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW
Duisburg Branch
Tel.:0203/98711605
mobile:01522 2695 605
presse(at)blb.nrw.de
Tim Wellbrock
Hochschule Niederrhein
Tel: 02151/822-3610
mobile: 0151 29800759
presse(at)hsnr.de
