In December last year, the state approved around 10.8 million euros from the 50 million euro structural aid for the renovation and modernization of listed buildings in the Ostsiedlung, although this approval was subject to reservations.

"This reservation has now been lifted," says Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel, explaining: "We had to prove that the plans and cost calculations were in order from a construction point of view and were economical and appropriate. The Office for Regional Development has now informed us on behalf of the state of Lower Saxony that there are no objections to this ambitious project, the grant has therefore been approved and the next steps can be initiated."

Implementation planning, tendering and the start of construction work can now begin.

Construction work is scheduled to begin around mid-2026. Preparatory work for the actual implementation of the construction measures is expected to take place this year.

The funds from the structural aid plus the City of Salzgitter's own contribution will be used to renovate the roofs, façades and basements of all 38 buildings and refurbish the entrances. As part of this project, the interiors of eight apartments will also be significantly upgraded, the floor plans changed and adapted to modern and contemporary apartment sizes. Four of the apartments will be converted to make them barrier-free or accessible.

"Another milestone has been reached," says Klingebiel, "The often small, inconveniently designed or not modernized and poorly equipped apartments have led to high vacancy rates and one-sided occupancy. A development that absolutely had to be stopped. A first step was the purchase of a total of 146 buildings, another is the successive refurbishment of the buildings and the residential environment. The 38 buildings now mentioned are the first step. The declared aim is to sustainably improve the quality of housing and life in the Ostsiedlung and thus set a clear turning point."