Mannheim (dpa/lsw) - Due to the insolvency of a construction project developer, the Mannheim Opera cannot open its replacement venue, which is required due to a general renovation, on time. The new opera at Luisenpark should have been completed next spring and possibly opened in April. The National Theater (NTM), to which the opera division belongs, announced that this schedule could not be kept due to the business closure of the total contractor.
Tilmann Proellochs, Managing Director of NTM, said: "The news hits us hard and presents us with a new challenge." The consequences would have to be discussed and evaluated. "However, it is clear that the completion of the building will be significantly delayed again as a result of this development." Statements about a new opening date are not yet possible.
An NTM spokeswoman said it was still unclear how the withdrawal of the company commissioned with planning and construction would affect the costs of the 287 million euro project. The shell is already there. The light metal hall with foyer and state-of-the-art stage accounted for 17 million euros. During the five years scheduled for the general refurbishment, opera fans should get their money's worth in the Oper am Luisenpark.
