Future of Stadsschouwburg Antwerp City Theatre to be examined

The City of Antwerp orders the start of follow-up studies for a future vision for the Stadsschouwburg or Antwerp City Theatre and the site on Theaterplein.

The Stadsschouwburg comprises three program clusters: the large theatre hall programme (2,000 seats) with supporting infrastructure, the Royal Youth Theatre (HetPaleis) programme, and the Royal Ballet School Antwerp programme. There is another parking lot underground.

In recent years, several preliminary studies have been completed on the desired future of the Stadsschouwburg in Antwerp. This includes programmatic research and building history research.

Follow-up studies

Now that the results of all these preliminary studies have been received, the city has ordered follow-up studies to be organized:

The broadest possible market exploration to investigate whether a public-private partnership can be set up for a new construction solution at the current or possible new location.
Based on the above studies and the outcome of the market exploration, to conduct further research into the future of the Stadsschouwburg and Theaterplein, including: relocation studies for all partners at the current and possible new location; a repurposing study for the Theaterplein site; an impact analysis for demolition.

Based on all these research results, a future vision for the Stadsschouwburg and the Theatreplein site will then be developed.

Alderman for Urban Development and Heritage Annick De Ridder (N-VA): “The current Stadsschouwburg is completely ‘worn out’ as an unsustainable block. We are now taking the first extremely important steps towards a bright new future for this site. The combination of a prime location in the city and cultural programs requires careful research; including an impact analysis for demolition and a broad market exploration that examines where and what use could be made.”

Mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA): “Unfortunately, the Stadsschouwburg has never been a worthy theatre, and certainly not for our proud Scheldt City. The brutal, cold concrete also does not suit the lively, bustling neighborhood. I am sure that many Antwerp residents are happy will mean that the building as we know it will disappear. Its place must be replaced by a sustainable and modern building that gives oxygen to culture. As mayor, who is also responsible for heritage, I will do everything I can to ensure that future Stadsschouwburg can charm all Antwerp residents.”

Alderman for Culture Nabilla Ait Daoud (N-VA): “A theatre plays a special role in the cultural fabric of the city: as a stage for makers, as a place for Antwerp residents and visitors who want to experience unique cultural experiences in the city. Together with the current users of the Stadsschouwburg, we will look for solutions, in anticipation of a new story. They can count on our support and we will closely involve them in the future.”

Controversy

The press release unsurprisingly does not mention the controversy. Yes, the building is worn out and its design is not the most popular. But the idea of moving a theatre facility away from the this location is quite unpopular.

Theaterplein is near Antwerp-Central Railway Station, near shops, buses and trams.

Conservative party with some alt-right tendencies N-VA is not the biggest fan of performance art unless it traditional, crowd-pleasing, mainstream and fits their nationalist narrative. They’re also allergic to subsidies for culture and especially for performance art (not fitting their ideas).

The blog post ‘Antwerp’s City Theatre Stadsschouwburg to be demolished, new playhouse elsewhere‘ from 18 May 2022 explains what the issues are.