Antwerp municipal real estate agency AG Vespa is launching a market survey on behalf of the City of Antwerp to investigate whether a public-private partnership is possible to realize a new construction solution for the current Stadsschouwburg, the Municipal Theatre. 

This market exploration is part of a series of preliminary studies to assess the future possibilities of the Stadsschouwburg and the site on Theaterplein. You can participate in the market exploration until 16 September 2024.

The Stadsschouwburg comprises three programme clusters: the large theater hall program (2,000 seats) with supporting infrastructure, the ‘HetPaleis‘ programme (a performing arts center for children and young people), and the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp programme. 

There is another parking lot underground. The City of Antwerp wants to find a solution for two of the existing program clusters, namely the large theatre hall and HetPaleis. 

The programme of the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp and the underground parking are not part of this market exploration. The Royal Ballet School will eventually have a new location and the underground parking will be retained.

Annick De Ridder, Alderman and chairperson of AG Vespa: “The Stadsschouwburg site is looking forward to a bright new future. The combination of a top location in the middle of the city and the presence of various cultural programs requires thorough research into the concrete content of that future. In order to give this a smart and well-founded form, the city is organizing a broad market exploration that will investigate, among other things, whether a public-private partnership can be set up for a new construction solution at the current or possible new location.”

Opportunities for public-private partnerships

With this market exploration, AG Vespa wants to investigate whether a public-private partnership can be set up for a new construction solution at the current or possible new location. 

By organising a market survey in this phase, the city wants to be able to make a better-informed decision.

The current program will be moved back to the Theaterplein site, or at another location. In addition to the program of the main hall and the palace, the combination with an additional program can be explored as an option.

The market survey is without obligation, informal and non-binding. The aim is mainly to question the market and share knowledge, but also to identify possible obstacles and preconditions. AG Vespa wants to exchange ideas with various parties: traders, construction partners, designers, operators, and so on. In principle, anyone who has a relevant opinion about the project is eligible.

Questionnaire

You can participate in the market exploration until 16 September 2024 at the latest by completing a questionnaire. This questionnaire asks you – taking into account the outlined framework – to elaborate and submit a proposal for a future destination in outline.

All details about the market exploration can be found on the AG Vespa website: https://www.agvespa.be/oproepen.

Controversy

This 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. 

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