– The costs of renovating the Cologne stage will increase further.
The restoration of the Cologne stages faces further obstacles and will cost more. The expected date for the term of the work is now set for the second half of 2025, the city revealed. This delay has led to a significant increase in the budget, from an initial €709.4 million to around €800 million. The project had originally been estimated at around €250 million.both the opera house and the Schauspielhaus, built in the 1950s, have been under renovation since 2012.
Difficult transition from post-war architecture
The mayor Henriette Reker (independent) expressed her disappointment, saying: “The latest delay is really discouraging and incredibly bitter.” She had hoped until the end that the stages would reopen the following year. “I have been closely involved in this project, but unfortunately I cannot deliver it as I had imagined or as the people of Cologne deserve,” Reker said. “Even if I am not directly involved, as mayor, in the end I am the one who takes responsibility, which I accept.” This news also has an impact on taxpayers. “It’s a disaster,” she admitted.
Previously, the complexities and complications of adapting a post-war building complex to current safety regulations were cited as one of the main reasons for the delay. However, according to the construction management, it is now also about speeding up construction and improving communication channels. The number of workers on site will increase from the current 170 to 300-350.
The delay in completing Cologne’s restoration means that visitors will likely not be able to explore the renovated opera house and Schauspielhaus until the second half of 2025. Despite the cost increase of more than 90 million euros, Mayor Henriette Reker continues to oversee the project, expressing disappointment at the latest snag.
