Expensive theater renovation in Augsburg: New head of planning on board!

Expensive theater renovation in Augsburg: New head of planning on board!

In Augsburg, construction work on the State Theater is simmering - and with a fresh planning team. A new chapter in the renovation of the historic theater has begun, as the Munich architectural firm Henn will now take responsibility for the entire project. This has become an expensive undertaking over the years; the costs have now risen to over 400 million euros; originally only 186 million euros were budgeted for it. How Antenna.de reports, the Augsburg State Theater was closed in 2016 due to fire protection deficiencies, and the completion of the general renovation has now been delayed until 2030.

From April 2025, Henn will begin work on the second component of the State Theater. This is the next step in an overall project that includes the renovation and construction of the theater. The Henn office has proven to be an experienced partner, which is underpinned by the positive comments from construction consultant Steffen Kercher and cultural consultant Jürgen Enninger. Enninger highlights Henn's international experience and regional commitment. The collaboration with Augsburger LeitWerk AG is also seen as beneficial in order to implement the ambitious plans, such as B4B Swabians reported.

The project in detail

The overall project is divided into two central parts: the modernization of the large house and the construction of adjacent new buildings. This includes a second stage, rehearsal rooms, workshops, offices and storage areas. These extensive renovation measures require sensitive planning, especially when it comes to integrating stage technology into the audience areas and the foyer. Monument protection plays a crucial role when it comes to the renovation of cultural buildings, as explained in the specialist literature te-ing.de.

The shell construction for the basement of the Little House has already been completed this year. The construction pit for the company building and subsequent work on the shell of both buildings are now to be completed, followed by facade work. Parts of the existing technology had to be carefully checked for reusability. Ultimately, the time frame is crucial: the construction work should ideally begin during the theater break so as not to further disrupt the running time.

Public interest and criticism

The expensive plans have also led to criticism. The taxpayers' association sees the renovation as a waste of taxes and demands transparency about the budgeted funds and their use. In times of limited financial resources, the public discussion about the necessity and costs of theater renovations is becoming increasingly heated. It is undisputed that such projects generate a high level of public interest, which forces those responsible to develop communication strategies at an early stage and inform the public about progress.

The challenges are varied - from monument protection to the integration of modern technologies to the creation of interim solutions during the construction period. Ultimately, it remains to be hoped that the Augsburg State Theater will soon be able to shine in new splendor and enhance not only the architectural but also the cultural heritage of the city.