The renovation is expected to cost approximately 20.85 million euros. The costs were originally estimated at 18 million euros, but due to inflation the costs are higher. It cannot be ruled out that costs will rise further.
The opposition in Meppel is not immediately in favor of the renovation. The parties are not so much against the renovation and the costs, but mainly against the timing. They say that the municipal council can only make a decision about it once there is a complete plan for culture in the municipality. That plan was already in place, but has been postponed partly due to the problems surrounding the Printing Museum and the bankruptcy of Scala.
“For many people, Meppel without a theater is unthinkable, but a total plan is lacking,” Anouk de Vlieg said earlier on behalf of GroenLinks. Three parties came up with the proposal to first debate the entire cultural offer before choosing Ogterop. That proposal did not pass.
“We would like to keep Ogterop going,” said Eduard Annen on behalf of Sterk Meppel, the largest party. “Gone is gone, you won’t get this facility back quickly, which is important to Meppel.” He sees the opportunity to turn the theater into a cultural center, “for the whole of Meppel.” Together with the other two coalition parties, Sterk Meppel has submitted a proposal for this. They want Ogterop to also offer space for other forms of cultural experience, such as amateur performances by choirs and orchestras, artistic workshops, team building activities and a music venue. That proposal did pass.
The renovation of Ogterop should start in 2025. The reopening is scheduled for 2027.