Educational building reorganized: Sebastian Rolko on municipal ability to act through his own Schulbau GmbH

More pupils, new requirements, increasing time pressure – many municipalities have their backs to the wall when it comes to educational construction. The classic administrative structure often reaches its limits. In Bergisch Gladbach, they have reacted and founded Schulbau GmbH – as its own municipal project company. At SCHULBAU Salon & Messe Essen 2025, Managing Director Sebastian Rolko will give an insight into a model that opens up new scope.

Schulbau GmbH: Own company, clear responsibilities

Schulbau GmbH Bergisch Gladbach has existed since 2022 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the city. Its purpose: to implement educational construction projects faster and more flexibly – and at the same time to manage them in a technically and financially sound manner. Unlike classic building authorities, the GmbH can act independently of budget cycles, streamline processes and react more specifically to the requirements of individual locations.

Sebastian Rolko, as Managing Director from the very beginning, is responsible for the development and operational design. Under his leadership, the company has since been developing new school buildings and renovations for the city – always in close coordination with external specialist planners, user groups and municipal partners. EU public procurement law applies to larger projects, while smaller measures can be implemented flexibly and more quickly.

What does the GmbH bring – and for whom is the model worthwhile?

In view of the strained construction capacities, rising costs and new pedagogical space requirements, the question arises in many places: How can educational buildings be organised in such a way that they remain on schedule – and at the same time are fit for the future? Sebastian Rolko’s presentation at SCHULBAU Essen will provide insights into the urban start-up project, name the opportunities and challenges of the model and address all those who are thinking about new paths in municipal construction.

Sebastian Rolko: Experience meets development work

Sebastian Rolko studied construction project management at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences and previously completed an apprenticeship as a draftsman. In his career, he gained experience in construction management and project management, most recently as head of department at the construction and real estate company NRW with a focus on university and administrative buildings. With the founding of Schulbau GmbH, he is returning to the municipal level – and bringing experience to where it is urgently needed.

📍 SCHULBAU Essen 2025
📅 24–25 September 2025
📌 Messe Essen Foyer East
🎤 Keynote speech by Sebastian Rolko and participation in the format “Q&A – At the Kitchen Table: Connoisseurs in Conversation
“On the Establishment of a School Construction GmbH for Cities, Municipalities and Municipalities”
🕓 To the program: CLICK!