Ogre's 'Bitīte' Kindergarten to Become the Most Modern in the Municipality
Construction of a new 'Bitīte' kindergarten in Ogre has begun; the two-story building with A+ energy efficiency, 12 groups for 248 children is set to open in summer 2027. Total cost €6.36 million, with €5 million EU co-funding.
The Ogre municipality is undertaking a major project to replace the old 'Bitīte' kindergarten with a brand-new, modern facility. Work started in February 2025 and is proceeding on schedule, according to municipal project manager Edgars Pārpucis.
Energy and Sustainability
The new building will be two stories and meet A+ energy efficiency class. Rooftop solar panels and a system to recover heat from sewage will reduce energy consumption. Sustainable solutions have been integrated into the design and construction.
Facilities and Equipment
The kindergarten will house 12 groups for up to 248 children aged 1.5 to 6 years. It will include speech therapist and psychologist offices, several activity rooms, and a multifunctional hall that can be divided. The dining and multifunctional halls will have separate outdoor exits for warm-weather events. Accessibility is a priority: an elevator and adapted toilets ensure full access for children with mobility impairments.
Outdoor Space and Infrastructure
The grounds will feature greenery, trees, and shrubs for natural shading. Two playgrounds with soft surfaces, wooden canopies, swings, and modern play equipment. New sidewalks, parking lots, a covered bicycle shed, a stroller room, fencing, and a video surveillance system will be installed. The historic kindergarten gates have been preserved and handed over to the municipality.
Impact on Education
After the new kindergarten opens, there will be no more waiting lists for municipal preschools, and group sizes will be smaller. Freed-up spaces in other institutions will allow development of special and interest education services, says Igor Grigorjevs, head of Ogre Education Administration.
Past and Future
Originally opened in 1969 for children of Ogre Knitwear Combine workers, 'Bitīte' later closed and was used for other purposes. The municipality acquired the building in 2017 and after technical assessment decided to demolish and rebuild. Total project cost is €6,362,287, with €5 million from EU co-funding. Construction is carried out by the consortium 'Moduls Engineering VELVE', supervision by SIA 'Mūsu būvuzraugs', and design by the partnership 'RCFCS'.
