After almost four years of construction, the comprehensive refurbishment of the listed Building B at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Wolfsburg has been completed. The state of Lower Saxony invested around 9.6 million euros in the project, which was overseen by the Braunschweig State Building Management Department. The aim of the refurbishment was to adapt the historic building to modern requirements. Lower Saxony's Science Minister Falko Mohrs emphasises: "The heart of Ostfalia on the Wolfsburg campus has been created here, combining studies and services, advice and meetings under one roof: the renovated building offers attractive learning and workplaces, central service facilities and a bistro that invites you to linger and exchange ideas. A building that brings students, teaching staff and administration together and makes community a tangible experience. A real enrichment for campus life and the city of Wolfsburg as a university location." The conversion also provides barrier-free access thanks to a lift and a barrier-free terrace. The building was officially opened on Monday, 29 September 2025.
"The renovation of the listed building was a balancing act between historical substance and modern requirements," said Anke Westphal, Deputy Head of the Braunschweig State Building Management Department, at the event. "Thanks to the excellent cooperation of all those involved, we have succeeded in creating optimal learning and working conditions for Ostfalia students and employees." The integration of modern technology, particularly in the cafeteria area, and pandemic-related bottlenecks posed particular challenges.
Dennis Weilmann, Lord Mayor of the City of Wolfsburg, also sees the inauguration of the former public order office as an important building block for the development of Wolfsburg's city centre: "A meeting place has been created on the Ostfalia campus, which increases the quality of stay for students. The city has flanked this measure with the redevelopment of Poststrasse and the redesign of Robert-Koch-Platz. This will strengthen the university, the craftsmen's quarter and the entire city centre."
The external cubature and historical character of the building were retained and supplemented by a terrace that runs around the extension. The roof, façade and windows were refurbished in line with listed building requirements. In addition, the interior and basement ceilings were insulated and the entire top floor was made more energy-efficient. Solar control glazing provides thermal insulation in summer. "The modernised learning environment in Building B offers our students and staff great opportunities for working, learning and meeting. We are delighted that we have been able to preserve a historic building and make it fit for the future at the same time. Our thanks go to Baumanagement Braunschweig and everyone involved for the successful implementation," says Prof Dr Julia Siegmüller, President of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.
Your contact for this topic:
Thomas Popp
State Construction Management Braunschweig
Telephone: 0531 1211-200
thomas.popp@sb-bs.niedersachsen.de
