Housing company VIVAWEST has laid the foundation stone for a two-storey day nursery new build on Andreasstrasse in the Bockum-Hoevel district of Hamm. The existing old building at the same address had previously been demolished to pave the way for a significant expansion of childcare capacity. Construction officially commenced alongside representatives of the City of Hamm and the non-profit operating organisation Kita Eichenwaeldchen gGmbH. Building completion is scheduled for early 2028.
The project comprises around 850 square metres of usable floor space on a site of approximately 2,300 square metres. Once operational, childcare places will be available for a total of more than 60 children, divided across four groups. Capacities are planned for up to 20 children under the age of three as well as 45 children aged between three and school entry. During the roughly eighteen-month construction period, the children are being cared for in a temporary modular facility, before regular full operations are scheduled to commence in the new building for the 2028/2029 nursery year.
Architectural design and energy-efficient specifications
In addition to the group and common rooms, the design includes a fenced outdoor area with roughly 1,400 square metres of play space. A multi-purpose room is also being built on the upper floor, which can be utilised for external events by the operator as well as for municipal appointments held by the City of Hamm, alongside regular day-to-day operations. Five car parking spaces for staff and a sheltered pram shelter will be constructed on the premises.
- —Four-group arrangement for more than 60 children, including up to 20 places for under-threes
- —Two-storey new build with approximately 850 square metres of usable floor area
- —Fenced outdoor area covering around 1,400 square metres
- —Heat supply via an air-to-water heat pump, underfloor heating and a green retention roof
Frank Wojtkowiak, Head of the Westphalia-Lippe Region at VIVAWEST, highlighted during the foundation stone ceremony the company's positioning as a long-term portfolio holder that deliberately invests in social infrastructure. As the former space and fittings no longer met contemporary standards, the replacement building provides expanded opportunities for operators and families alike. Christian Westerteicher, Managing Director of Eichenwaeldchen gGmbH, stressed that the partnership provides a future-oriented environment to systematically advance their educational work.
Dr Britta Obszerninks, Head of the Family Department for the City of Hamm, also welcomed the project as an important step within local family policy. Expanding from one group in the past to four groups in the future ensures reliable local childcare. VIVAWEST manages a portfolio of around 3,000 apartments in Hamm, with almost half of this portfolio concentrated in the Bockum-Hoevel district.
