Castrop-Rauxel March 2026: Kindergarten Spaces, School Safety, and Urban Policy in Focus

Kindergarten Spaces, Safety, and Budget: March in Castrop-Rauxel

What was important this month

• Kindergarten construction measures approved: The Youth Welfare Committee approved the Kita Report 2025/26 to 2029/30. Concrete new builds and extensions are in planning, including Kita Merklinde with 5 groups, which is expected to open in 2025/26.
• School route safety at Cottenburgschule: The Council discussed three variants for pedestrian crossing safety. The most cost-effective option (road narrowing) was favored.
• 100 benches for greater participation: The Committee for Generations, Inclusion, and Diversity unanimously approved a motion by the SPD faction to install 100 barrier-free benches.
• Realignment of the EUV City Operations Board: The EUV Supervisory Board approved the realignment of the Board with new members and a new business distribution plan.
• Fire Station Zoning Plan adopted: Zoning Plan No. 259 was approved in a revised version to redesign the former power plant site.
• Land Use Plan revised: The 8th amendment to the Land Use Plan was approved to ensure planning clarity for the area of the former fire station.

Kindergarten Spaces and Expansion: How the Care Landscape is Changing

This month, kindergartens were in the spotlight. The Youth Welfare Committee approved the Kita Report 2025/26 to 2029/30, which provides a clear outlook on future childcare infrastructure. Currently, 255 spaces for children over 3 years old are missing in the Kita year 2025/26, which will be partially offset by surplus spaces and bridge projects. A surplus of spaces is even expected in the districts of Mitte and Süd.

Kita Merklinde will be built as a new facility with 5 groups and is set to open in 2025/26. Further construction projects include the Kitas Beerenbruch, St. Lambertus, and Am Wetterschacht. The focus is also on inclusive structures to enable barrier-free childcare for more children.

In the area of care for children under 3 years old, there are currently 795 spaces available, corresponding to a coverage rate of 43 %. By 2029/30, approximately 16 additional spaces can be created. The city is actively planning to meet the increasing demand for childcare.

Safe School Routes: Decisions for Cottenburgschule

School route safety is a central topic in Castrop-Rauxel. In March, the school route safety at Cottenburgschule was intensively discussed. Three options were on the table:

• Option 1 (Zebra crossing with lighting): Cost: €65,100
• Option 2 (Road narrowing): Cost: €36,270
• Option 3 (Status quo): Cost: €0

The administration recommended Option 2, as a zebra crossing was deemed essential. In addition, additional measures such as sidewalk widening (€90,900) and lighting (€29,700) were discussed. The administration is tasked with developing an integrated concept for safe routes to schools and kindergartens, which should be presented by the next meeting.

Urban Development and Land Use: Zoning Plan "Fire Station"

Another focus was the Zoning Plan No. 259 "Fire Station", which was approved in a revised version. The plan regulates the urban development of the former coal-fired power plant site. The northern area will be used as a fire station, the northeastern part as municipal infrastructure, and the southern part as a sports facility.

The construction requirements are strict: A maximum of four full floors with a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.5, which can be exceeded up to 1.0 due to parking spaces. For municipal infrastructure, three full floors with a FAR of 0.8 apply. To compensate for the loss of habitat value, compensation will be made via the city's eco-account "Obercastrop".

The administration is tasked with submitting the plan to the District Government of Münster for approval. The costs for studies and environmental reports have already been accounted for.

Financial Policy and Budget: The 2026 Supplementary Budget

In March, the 2026 Supplementary Budget in the amount of €948,944,947 was also approved. Accompanying this, a budget security concept was presented. The EUV Supervisory Board approved the establishment of an additional position in Operation 2 and the adjustment of the swimming pool fee ordinance.

In addition, the 16th amendment to the fee ordinance for special services of EUV City Operations was approved. The Board was fully exonerated, and a working group "Cemetery" was convened to develop a concept for the future development of cemetery services.

Integration and Inclusion: 100 Benches for More Interaction

The Committee for Generations, Inclusion, and Diversity approved a motion by the SPD faction to install 100 benches in the city. The goal is the creation of additional barrier-free seating areas in public spaces to promote social interaction and participation.

The administration is tasked with developing an implementation concept with a cost overview and timeline. The measure has no financial impact as no budget funds are affected. The benches are to be distributed across different districts to strengthen social infrastructure.

Cross-topic Assessment: Planning Security and Citizen Participation

An overarching theme this month was planning security in municipal projects. Whether in kindergarten planning, school route safety, or the zoning plan – the city is relying on clear, long-term concepts that are aligned with public opinion. At the same time, it is evident that citizen participation and transparency are in focus – for example, through the digital availability of meeting documents or the appointment of informed citizens to committees.

In addition, far-reaching structural changes are visible in urban life: from the urban development of former industrial areas to the provision of educational and care infrastructure. Castrop-Rauxel is looking to the future with a clear focus on sustainability, inclusion, and citizen-oriented politics.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was a month with many decisions in the areas of kindergartens, school route safety, urban development, and financial policy in Castrop-Rauxel. The city is relying on clear planning, citizen participation, and long-term concepts to meet future challenges. April will be particularly interesting to see how the approved measures are implemented – especially in kindergarten construction and school route safety.