The extensive reconstruction of the Valmiera Drama Theatre is quickly approaching its conclusion. According to Jeļena Gavrilova, management board member of SJSC “State Real Estate” (SRE), almost 95% of the work planned in the design has been completed, and the theatre will open the doors of its renovated building to its guests as early as September.
‘The theatre has undergone significant improvements, covering not only the architecture and aesthetics, but also its equipment and energy performance. The modernisation of the administrative building has been completed, installing new utility lines and three lifts, and setting up and finishing doors, walls, floors, and ceilings. The renovation of the rest of the building proceeds at full speed. Currently, the testing of the utility systems and lines installed, as well as the construction and finishing of the walls, floors, and ceilings, is taking place, while grounds improvements are being actively worked on in the front yard of the building facing Lāčplēša street. An important step here was the construction of lifts, making it possible for people with functional disabilities to access the theatre,’ Gavrilova said.
During the construction, a lot of attention has been paid to improving energy performance. The lighting solutions have been fully upgraded with energy-efficient technologies. The roof, semi-basement, and external walls have been insulated, windows and external doors replaced, while a new heating unit and heating system with new heating elements, ventilation and air-cooling systems have been installed. These changes will reduce energy consumption considerably, while delivering comfort for the theatre’s staff and its guests.
An important addition is the new black box auditorium (the New Auditorium), to replace the old Mansard Auditorium, meaning that after the reconstruction, the theatre will be able to continue to fully operate in three auditoriums, as it did before. However, with the reconstruction, all of these will become comfortable for the audiences, and functional for the staff. The Grand Auditorium has undergone significant improvements as well, with the construction of acoustic walls, installation of an acoustic circuit, and the removal of old boxes, replaced with new rows of seats, providing more comfortable seating for the audience.
The procurement for construction took place as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project ‘Energy efficiency improvements at Valmiera Drama Theatre, Lāčplēša street 4, Valmiera (ID No 4.2.1.2/18/I/019). The construction have been done with European Union co-financing as part of the ‘Growth and Employment’ activity programme, specific support goal 4.2.1. ‘Promote energy efficiency in state-owned and residential buildings’, measure 4.2.1.2. ‘Promote energy efficiency in state-owned buildings’.
The Valmiera Drama Theatre building was constructed in 1996, designed by architects Modris Ģelzis, Olita Upaciere, and Juris Gusevs, at the former site of the Latvian Society building. This impressive masonry building with two auditoriums, a theatre museum, an art salon, and a café is not only a cultural and historical landmark, but also an outstanding example of modern architecture of its time. The theatre building is located in the immediate visual vicinity of St Simon’s Lutheran Church, giving it special meaning and an unparalleled aura. It is also part of the protection zone of Valmiera St Simon’s Lutheran Church, Valmiera Castle Ruins, and the town’s medieval fortifications, which is a national architectural heritage site.
During the reconstruction of VDT, the administrative wing designed by the outstanding architect Modris Ģelzis was preserved, while the technically and visually outdated additions were demolished, updating the place with laconic, modern spaces instead of the awning structures. This transformation will significantly increase the capacity of the administrative part of the building, creating an overall cohesive and aesthetically pleasing appearance that organically fits the urban environment from all perspectives.
About SRE
SER provides professional real estate management and administration for 419 building and structure properties, comprising 1049 buildings with a total area of 0.98 million square metres, as well as land beneath structures with a total area of 585 hectares, and 3385 land properties with a total area of 937 hectares. SRE is one of 17 Latvian companies that in 2023 received the highest platinum award as part of the Sustainability Index of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, confirming the good governance and sustainability of its operations. The company was founded in 1996 and the Ministry of Finance is its sole shareholder.
