The aula of the Collège des Forges in La Chaux-de-Fonds will enter the 21st century. By next summer, it should benefit from a major facelift and be adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Built in 1968, this building which connects the Forges-Centre and Bonnefontaine colleges has never been renovated. Suffice to say that 56 years later, it no longer meets a whole series of standards. The aula is the last school building in the city not to be adapted for people with reduced mobility. By next summer, everything should be back to normal. An elevator will be installed and toilets adapted. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The City also intends to tackle heating, insulation, windows, lighting and electricity. Improvements which should make this 300-seat room much more comfortable, including and especially in winter.
In terms of equipment, a removable mobile stage will replace the old wooden one. Its lighting and sound system will become semi-professional. The adjoining foyer will also be given a facelift, including the installation of a self-service kitchenette for students and a closed kitchen planned for various events.
Installing lockers and purchasing tables and chairs will complete the list. Cost of the investment, 2 million francs. The General Council gave its approval to this expenditure in September 2023. The City has just submitted its project to a public inquiry. It runs until January 13. In the meantime, demolition work has already started inside the aula. As for the students and teachers of the Collège des Forges, they should be able to take possession of the renovated premises from the start of the school year in August 2025. /cwi
Swiss
