At Drohobych Lyceum No. 1 named after Ivan Franko, a large-scale project to develop the community’s educational infrastructure is under way – the construction of a modern underground educational space that will also serve as a radiation protection shelter. The space is intended for daily use as fully fledged teaching and recreational premises, and during air raid alerts it will provide a safe environment for all participants in the educational process.
The total value of the construction contract is UAH 201.5 million, of which more than UAH 91.1 million is earmarked for 2026. Following an open tender, TzOV “Ekobudstyl” was selected as the contractor. The new underground complex is designed to accommodate up to 1,500 people at any one time.
The project provides for the creation of modern classrooms, a resource room, a speech therapist’s office, a medical room, offices for a psychologist and social pedagogue, a buffet, sanitary facilities and other functional areas. Particular emphasis has been placed on accessibility: the premises will be equipped with lifts, convenient entrances and access to key areas for people with limited mobility.
The progress of construction is under constant supervision by the city authorities and education officials. Weekly working meetings are held on site with the participation of the Mayor of Drohobych Taras Kuchma, Head of the Education Department Petro Shev’yak, Lviv Regional Council deputy Serhiy Olenych, the Lyceum’s Headteacher Lesia Terletska, Director of the municipal enterprise “Drohobychteploenergo” Stepan Shulyuk, and representatives of TzOV “Ekobudstyl”. During these meetings, the work completed is reviewed, technical solutions are agreed and the next steps are defined.
“We are not just building a shelter. We are creating a new educational space that will be used by children every day. Here they will be able to study, do sport and receive the support they need. And in the event of an air raid alert, this space will become a place where children are protected,” said the Mayor of Drohobych, Taras Kuchma.
Construction work on site is currently in full swing: reinforcement is being delivered, floor slabs have been installed, and the installation of sheet pile retaining walls has begun. One of the distinctive features of the facility will be a sports ground on the roof of the structure. It is planned to be used for PE lessons, sports and health activities, and active leisure for pupils.
In the event of an air raid alert, the underground premises will function as a radiation protection shelter, allowing pupils and staff of the Lyceum to remain in a protected environment without leaving the school grounds. Once the main construction work has been completed, the Lyceum courtyard will be landscaped: paving will be laid, fencing installed and the surrounding area tidied up.
The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The progress of the work is being monitored by the city authorities, the Education Department, the Lyceum administration and the contractor.