April 2026 – What Happened in Bottrop

Infrastructure, Education and Social Affairs in Focus

What Was Important This Month

• Wastewater Disposal Concept Updated: Bottrop has adopted the 7th revision of its Wastewater Disposal Concept. With a total investment of 158 million euros until 2037, the city ensures long-term modern wastewater management.
• New Multi-Function Building in Bottrop-Center: A new building with 31 parking spaces, ecological measures, and a new bus route will be built at the Fuhlenbrocker Market Square. Construction is planned to begin in early 2027.
• Toilets at Ehrenpark to be Closed: Due to high maintenance costs and low usage, the toilet facility at Ehrenpark will be permanently removed. The toilets at Johann-Breuker-Platz will remain in operation.
• School Construction Measures Approved: The Gustav-Heinemann-Real School and the Marie-Curie-Real School will be expanded with a total investment of 24.3 million euros. Additional classes will be established to address enrollment surpluses.

Wastewater, Mobility and Infrastructure: 158 Million Euros in Investments

The Committee for Construction and Transport approved the 7th revision of the Wastewater Disposal Concept (ABK-2026-BOT). With an investment volume of 158 million euros, the plan is set until 2037. A focus lies on the renovation of sewer systems and the improvement of wastewater disposal. For 2026–2031, 89.87 million euros are allocated, with a further 68.14 million euros planned for 2032–2037. In addition, green arrows for cyclists were approved at seven intersections to improve cycling safety.

Furthermore, a multi-function building is planned at the Fuhlenbrocker Market Square. With total costs of 4.545 million euros, including 3.636 million euros in funding, the project will be completed by 2028. The market square itself will be redesigned with ecological measures such as tree trenches and stormwater management.

Education: Additional Classes and Construction Measures

Important decisions for education in Bottrop were made in April. The Gustav-Heinemann-Real School and the Marie-Curie-Real School will be expanded with an investment volume of 24.3 million euros in total. Due to enrollment surpluses, additional classes have been set up at several schools, including two classes at the Gustav-Heinemann-Real School, which have already been approved by the regional authority.

In addition, a branch location for the Nikolaus-Groß Primary School at Beckstraße has been decided. The location will be established in August 2026, subject to approval by the Southern District Committee. The regulation for parental contributions for after-school care has also been changed and will take effect on May 1, 2026.

Social Affairs and Integration: Toilets, Care and Intercultural Projects

The Committee for Social Affairs, Health and Family decided to close the toilet facility at Ehrenpark. Due to high maintenance costs and low usage, the city saves nearly 14,000 euros annually. The facility at Johann-Breuker-Platz remains in operation.

In care planning, a new care home with 80 beds will be built in Bottrop, with another location planned in Kirchhellen. In addition, a strategy for securing staffing in the care sector has been developed, supported by the regional education office.

In addition, a grant of 750 euros was approved for the intercultural neighborhood breakfast of AWO UB Gelsenkirchen/Bottrop. The project is implemented by the Morianstraße Neighborhood Office and is funded from the 2026 budget of 7,000 euros.

Integration and Culture: Barrier-Free Access and Third-Party Funding

The "Bottrop Carnival for All" will be designed to be barrier-free. As the costs from 2027 cannot be covered by the municipal budget, financing through third-party funding is being examined. For 2026, a one-time cost of 992.83 euros is expected.

In addition, several cultural events are planned for 2026, including the City Festival on June 21, the Michaelismarket on June 27, the Spring Festival on May 30, and a Welcome Day at the Lohnhalle on May 28. A care fair is planned for the fourth quarter.

Overview: Financing, Budget and Implementation

The approved projects show how Bottrop is investing in the areas of infrastructure, education, and social affairs. Major investments such as the wastewater disposal concept and the multi-function building in Bottrop-Center are planned for the coming years. At the same time, sustainable investments are made in care and intercultural projects. Financing is provided through budgetary funds, subsidies, and third-party funding, with long-term planning considered for larger projects.

Outlook: What's Coming in May?

In May 2026, further important decisions and projects will be on the agenda. The Spring Festival at Ehrenpark is planned for May 30, and the Southern District Committee will decide on the branch location of the Nikolaus-Groß Primary School. In addition, preparations for the care fair in the autumn will continue, and construction measures for the Prosperstraße will be carried out. Bottrop remains an area with diverse developments in politics, education, and infrastructure in May as well.