Town Theater Restoration: OB Kern Insists on Realistic Budget Numbers Before Approval Decision
In the heart of Ingolstadt, the City Theatre stands as a beacon of cultural identity. With over 200,000 visitors annually, the theatre is a cherished institution that caters to all generations and social groups. However, as the Hammer Building, which houses the City Theatre, approaches its seventh decade, a comprehensive renovation has become necessary due to its outdated facilities.
The operating permit for the Hammer Building expires in 2027, and the city is committed to preserving and guiding the City Theatre into a bright future. A detailed plan for the renovation cost is proposed to be commissioned to the city council, with reliable cost figures and funding contributions expected to be available by mid-2026.
The renovation must be affordable, and the City Mayor, Dr. Michael Kern, is open to discussing how the decision should be made regarding the renovation. The cost of the renovation, the Free State's contribution, and the distribution of costs over four or five years of construction are yet to be determined.
The plan for the renovation follows typical practices for theater renovations in German cities. It includes cost estimation, funding sources, timeline planning, and expert involvement.
For cost estimation, a detailed condition assessment of the theatre building will be conducted to identify urgent repairs and upgrades. This assessment will cover structural, safety, accessibility, technical stage equipment, acoustics, seating, and audience amenities. Benchmarks from similar projects in Bavaria or Germany will be used to estimate costs.
Funding sources for the renovation will primarily come from municipal and state government cultural grants and subsidies. Federal and EU cultural preservation funds may also contribute. Private sponsorships, donations, and crowdfunding can add financial support, and public-private partnerships might be explored to share costs.
Timeline planning will typically take 6–12 months for planning and design phases, with additional months for obtaining permits and funding approvals. Construction, depending on scale, might range from 1 to 3 years, potentially staged to allow partial use of the venue during works.
Expert involvement will include specialized architects, structural engineers, acoustical consultants, and theater technology experts. Project management firms with experience in cultural building renovations can help optimize costs and timelines.
Because Ingolstadt is a significant Bavarian city with a rich cultural tradition, local government cultural offices or the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts might have specific grant programs and guidelines to pursue. Contacting these would be essential for detailed funding opportunities and regulatory requirements.
At present, the question of a citizen or council referendum does not arise. The City Mayor, Dr. Michael Kern, advocates for the preservation of the City Theatre and is committed to making a well-informed decision about the renovation after the cost figures are available, taking into account the then current budget situation.
As the renovation plans for the City Theatre unfold, the city of Ingolstadt moves towards preserving this cultural gem for future generations to enjoy.
The renovation of the Hammer Building, home to the City Theatre, aims to update its outdated facilities while maintaining its cultural significance. A detailed plan for the renovation will consider the lifestyle and home-and-garden aspects of the theatre, focusing on seating, audience amenities, and upgrades to structural elements for improved accessibility. The city council will commission the project with cost figures and funding contributions expected by mid-2026.
