Three of the four options cost between four and five million euros. The theater will be preserved and renovated. But then there remains the lack of space. Eva Ryde, alderman of Culture Ypres: “You can also invest a lot, 4 million, and end up with a much smaller hall and still defects. That is possible. But you can also opt for a completely different approach that is not that far beyond that financially.”
Expansion or demolition
And the other approach involves an extension of the existing theater or its complete demolition to construct a new building on that site. The fourth option is a more daring choice. The theater will be integrated into the cathedral, but will be located in the deanery wing, which is now empty. There is room for a theater hall, stage technology, dressing rooms and a cafeteria. But that cost rises to just over 5 million.
Not until the next legislature
Jef Verschoore, Church Factory: “I am a member of the Church Factory. I look at it from that point of view. And we are of course asking that the provost hall could be opened up and used for broader purposes.”
Last night, municipal councilors and advisory councils received more explanation. Whatever it becomes, implementation will only be before the next legislature. First there will be information rounds and residents will also be consulted.