Wattens proposes Swarovski site for new polytechnic school

Wattens is proposing the grounds of Swarovski’s former works as the location for a regional polytechnic school, ORF reports. Other municipalities are also seeking to host the school, and the state of Tyrol says the municipalities must first agree on a site.

There is currently no polytechnic school in Hall, so students from the town and surrounding communities have to attend the school in Wattens. That building is too small and needs renovation. A solution is being sought for about 120 students from 16 municipalities.

Wattens Mayor Lukas Schmied said the town had drawn up a space plan to provide students with a suitable school, but needed to find a place for it. He had approached Swarovski because the company has land available.

The proposed site is the company’s former works grounds, which now house Werkstätten Wattens and around 75 smaller external businesses. Schmied said the location has good transport links, existing buildings that could be used, enough space and the technical infrastructure needed for modern teaching.

Wattens estimates the project would cost about two million euros, with Swarovski contributing. Mils, which is home to the St. Josef Institute, and Absam, with its existing vocational schools, are also interested in hosting the school. The state says the municipalities must reach agreement on a location first.