structural development

Gelsdorfhütte project started

WEISSWASSER MAKES AHEAD - One month after the start of the station construction site, the next approval notice for structural change funds came to Weißwasser/OL in November. The Gelsdorfhütte, a historically significant building, can now finally be renovated in keeping with its importance.

Mayor Torsten Pötzsch the 97.5 percent cost funding for the Gelsdorfhütte renovation project , which has been in the works since 2012, a “great stroke of luck”. The Gelsdorfhütte is of great historical importance - it was the first glassworks in the city.

Please read everything about the start of the station construction site )

The story of the Gelsdorfhütte tells of innovation, prosperity and challenges that have significantly shaped the development of Weißwasser. Finally, this history, which is so important for Lusatia, is being continued through structural funding from the federal government. Of the 3.1 million euros earmarked for “Subproject 1”, over 3 million come from the structural funds pot. As the cradle of glass production in the city, the works bears an important historical responsibility for the entire Lusatia and is now protected as a monument of industrial and regional history. After the completion of sub-project 1 (clearance, removal of contaminated sites, simple renovation), "sub-project 2" is the public development as a commercial area and the renovation of the Gehlsdorf ruins. 12.5 million euros are available for the work, which is planned until 2026.

Founded in 1872, the Gelsdorfhütte began as a modest complex, consisting of a hut building and a low-rise building. Under the leadership of the glassmaker Wilhelm Gelsdorf, the factory experienced its heyday, employed up to 36 glassmakers and produced high-quality glass for everyday use. The glassworks later became part of the "Oberlausitzer Glaswerke Weißwasser" and served as a training center for glassmakers between the 1950s and 1970s. The sand that was crucial for production came from the Muskau fold . Since the ovens later no longer met modern conditions, the training lodge was closed in the 1970s and the historic building was left to fend for itself. Now the further deterioration of the hut and the area has finally been stopped.

Graphic: City of Weißwasser PK November 24, 2023

The dilapidated hut is cleared and secured - as is the area surrounding it. 3.1 million euros are available for demolition, clearance, disposal of contaminated sites and simple renovation of the approximately 25,000 square meter Gelsdorfhütte area. A new building for the Weißwasser/OL location of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (Bafa ) will then be built on the entire site, so that around 300 employees and the associated facilities will be located on 10,000 square meters. According to Mayor Torsten Pötzsch, there are already interested parties for the remaining areas. Thanks to the Integrated Urban Development Concept, the Gelsdorf site is being developed together with the area next to it - modern living and targeted commercial development are the focus here. In order to make progress easier, Weißwasser has shared the funding entitlement for his Gelsdorfhütte project. The demolition and remediation of the contaminated site should be completed by April/May 2024. But not everything has to give way to something new: the historic Gelsdorf ruins will be preserved as a landmark.

Last summer 2023 was the last for the ruin in its sleeping beauty - Photo: Pinterest

Current plans to revitalize the 4-hectare site of the former Gelsdorfhütte reflect the vision of “Weißwasser/OL 2035” . The city strives to make the city center a lively center, to preserve the history of industry and urban development and to actively participate in economic structural change. The planned model district is intended to accommodate national authorities and combine work, life and living in a sustainable and climate-friendly environment. The estimated total cost for the ambitious project is EUR 12.5 million, with a planned implementation period until 2026.

Cover photo: Dorit Baumeister heads the construction department in Weißwasser and is committed to the matter. She knows the project of renovating the Gelsdorfhütte like no other person - except perhaps Mayor Torsten Pötzsch (to the right of her)