Aleksander Węgierko Dramatyczny company in Białystok has signed an agreement with Budimex SA for the modernization of the institution’s historic building. The investment is scheduled for completion in early 2023.
The theater announced a tender for the general renovation of its seat in February this year. In May, the institution selected the most favorable offer – from Budimex SA. The task will be completed thanks to financing from the Governmental Fund for Local Investment. Funds for the modernization were also planned in the Long-term Financial Forecast of Podlaskie Voivodeship.
Białystok and the entire region had been waiting over 70 years for the Dramatyczny Theater to be rebuilt. The reconstruction was made possible thanks to PLN 26 million from the Government’s Local Investment Fund, as well as money from the voivodeship budget. This investment shows that the Polish government recognizes the needs of the capital of the Podlaskie Province and supports investments that serve the residents. I am glad that our promise from the 2018 local elections is becoming a fact. I hope that in two years we will meet in a modern, comfortable and, above all, disability-friendly Theatre – said Artur Kosicki, Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
On Wednesday, July 7, Dr. Martyna Faustyna Zaniewska, Deputy Director of the Dramatyczny Theater, and Andrzej Sowa, Area Manager of Budimex SA, signed a contract for the modernization of the Theater building.
This day will certainly go down in the history of our institution. The long-awaited renovation is finally coming true. Before us is the time of creating and presenting plays on guest stages. I believe that the strength of our team will allow us to successfully get through this difficult period. I would like to thank all the staff who, with understanding and great commitment, have joined in all the work connected with the preparation for modernization. I hope that in two years we will be able to invite our audience to the new interiors of the Dramatyczny Theater and enjoy this very important investment together,” said Dr. Martyna Faustyna Zaniewska, Deputy Director of the Theater.
Budimex SA offered PLN 31,777,284.93 for the construction works. The modernization is to be completed within eighteen months.
Budimex has successfully completed many theater investments, including turnkey projects. At the moment, we are also executing the extension of Teatr Polski in Szczecin and modernization of Teatr Wybrzeze in Gdańsk. We are a contractor who always keeps his word and we try to complete our constructions on time,” said Andrzej Sowa, Area Manager of Budimex SA. The biggest challenge in this investment will be reinforcing the existing structure: foundations and ceiling above the stage in the historic part of the building, adjusting it to take over the load from the new stage technology and renovating the historic structures of the building – adds Andrzej Sowa.
Construction work will begin in July of this year. The general contractor gives a 7-year warranty for the work done.
The modernization project of the theater was created by the “KOZIEŃ Architekci” studio from Krakow. The investment will involve the reconstruction, extension, renovation and insulation of the historic building at 12 Elektryczna St. It will also involve the replacement of the following internal installations: water, sewage and heating, electricity, telecommunications, mechanical ventilation and air conditioning, replacement of woodwork and ironwork, as well as landscaping around the building. The modernization will also include replacement of seats in the auditorium and adjusting the building to the needs of handicapped persons as well as to fire safety requirements.
