The long-awaited modernization of the historic building of theAleksander Wegierka Drama Theater in Bialystok is beginning. The theater has signed an agreement with Budimex SA, the contractor for the work. The project involves a complete renovation of the theater's premises, including adapting it to the needs of people with disabilities or refreshing the halls.
On Wednesday, July 7, Dr. Martyna Faustyna Zaniewska, deputy director of the Drama Theater, and Andrzej Sowa, area director of Budimex SA, officially signed a contract for the modernization of the Alexander Wegierka Drama Theater building in Bialystok. The building is located in the city center, at 12 Elektryczna St. It was erected in the early 1930s. The institution began operating in it in 1944.
Modernization of the building was suggested long ago. It required major renovation, adaptation to the needs of people with disabilities and fire safety requirements.
This day will certainly go down in the history of our institution. The long-awaited renovation will finally come to fruition. Ahead of us is the time of creating and presenting performances on guest stages. I believe that the strength in our team will allow us to successfully pass this uneasy period ," said Dr. Martyna Faustyna Zaniewska during the official signing of the contract with the contractor.
General renovation from outside and inside
The theater announced a tender for its modernization in February this year. In May, a contractor for the project was selected from only two submissions. Budimex SA offered the most favorable bid, valued at PLN 31,777,284.93. The modernization project is the responsibility of the KOZIEŃ Architekci studio from Cracow, which has a number of projects for cultural and educational institutions to its credit. Budimex SA, in turn, also boasts a large number of turnkey renovations in cultural institutions. It is currently working on the expansion of the Polish Theater in Szczecin and the modernization of the Wybrzeze Theater in Gdansk.
The investment primarily involves construction work: reconstruction, expansion, renovation and insulation of the building. Also planned is the replacement of internal installations: water, sewage and heating, electrical, telecommunications, mechanical ventilation, air conditioning, replacement of woodwork and ironwork, and landscaping around the building. The building will be adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and fire safety requirements. Auditorium seating will also be replaced.
The biggest challenge in this investment will be the reinforcement of the existing structure: the foundations and the ceiling above the stage in the historic part of the building, adapting it to take the load from the new stage technology, and the renovation of the historic structures of the building, Andrzej Sowa said .
Construction work is expected to start later this July. The contractor is providing a 7-year warranty for the work. The project will be carried out, among other things, thanks to funding from the Government's Local Investment Fund. Funds for the modernization have also been planned in the Multiannual Financial Forecast of the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
