Tartu school to replace collapsed section with larger extension

Tartu has decided to replace the collapsed section of Miina Härma Gymnasium with an extension more than twice its size, ERR reported. The project is expected to cost the city an additional 2.7 million euros, with borrowing not ruled out.

Part of the school building, constructed in 1960, collapsed during technical systems renovations that began at the start of summer. The city had initially considered rebuilding the section at its previous size.

Deputy Mayor Martin Bek said the city would instead demolish the entire 650-square-metre section and build a new three-storey structure with a basement, providing a total of 1,450 square metres.

School director Ene Tannberg said the extension would address several problems. It would allow the school to move all lessons to a single shift, while first and second-grade pupils currently study in a second shift. The project would also expand the dining area and create a more modern learning environment.

The extension is expected to cost 4.2 million euros. Bek said the city’s additional cost would be 2.7 million euros because some previously contracted work was not carried out, allowing those funds to be used for the new building. The city also expects to recover value-added tax on the complete construction project and receive some compensation from insurance.

Bek said the money would not be taken from the reconstruction of other schools. He said the city had accommodated the project in its four-year budget strategy, although it was not yet certain whether other work would be postponed. The city’s borrowing capacity was increasing, he added.

The school will operate in temporary premises until the beginning of the next academic year because of the technical systems renovation. Tannberg said some pupils would have to remain in temporary facilities until next summer because of the extension project.

The city council is due to discuss the extension plan in October, after which a new tender will be announced.