Espoo Cultural Centre's theatre project is moving towards construction
The design phase of Espoo Cultural Centre's new theatre hall is at its final stages. Next, the project will move to implementation planning, after which a building contractor will be selected for the theatre.
The Cultural Centre's theatre project is taking another step forward as it moves from the planning phase to the implementation planning and construction phase. During the planning phase that is now coming to an end, the focus has been on designing the functionalities of the new theatre hall located in the expansion of the Cultural Centre, as well as the training room and auxiliary facilities.
The new theatre hall has been designed for 455 spectators, and it complements the current halls of the Cultural Centre. In its basic form, the capacity falls between Louhi Hall (296 spectators) and Tapiola Hall (733 spectators), but it can be adapted to the needs of large performances and events through various stand arrangements. The expansion serves primarily as a stage for the Espoo Theatre.
In addition to the stage and stand facilities, the new theatre includes training facilities, production and storage facilities, changing rooms, audience facilities, working and social facilities for staff as well as technical facilities. The theatre encompasses approximately 8,600 gross square metres.
Construction could start in winter 2026
According to current estimates, the construction of the Cultural Centre's theatre could begin in winter 2026 and the new facilities could be introduced in autumn 2028. The costs of the theatre expansion amount to approximately EUR 61.4 million based on current calculations.
The main and architectural design of the project has been the carried out by Arkkitehtitoimisto ALA Oy, which has also designed numerous international cultural facilities. The lead designer in the project is Juho Grönholm.
More information:
Olli Isotalo, Urban Environment Director, City of Espoo