New theater between ancient neighbors

Right in the centre of Den Bosch, a new theatre has been built in recent years. The historical site, right next to the Sint-Jans Cathedral, presented some considerable challenges. After more than a decade, in 2018 the city council decided to build a new theatre on the site of the existing one. A complex environment with an eventful history. This made the local social and political-administrative sensitivity higher than for many other projects. We were responsible for the development of the new theatre right from the the decision-making process. This involved both the substantive management of the design and construction process, being accountable tot the city council and achieving and maintaining calm in the process.

 

OUR ROLE

  • Developer on behalf of owner (delegated principal)
  • Environment management
  • Analyzing and involving user
  • Manage design and build team
  • Aftercare
Den Bosch former theater was badly outdated. The municipality of Den Bosch wanted to maintain its position as city of the arts in the south of the Netherlands. Realisation of a future-proof theatre was crucial for this.
THE RIGHT ANGLE

Multifunctional future-proof theatre

We saw a chance in broadening the scope of the exploitation. That’s why – in an early stage – we took a fresh look at the Program of Requirements. Together with the advisors and operator, we have mapped all possible use cases of the theatre building. The results were translated into the design process and ultimately lead to a future-proof theatre. A very good, multifunctional and beautiful building in an exceptional location.

Pro in process

Callm­ness in a complex process

The process of inner-city building presented challenges. For example, the construction site had residents less than a metre away and the rear directly borders a monumental monastery. Furthermore, the city centre’s main square in front of the building hosted events all year round. We thought through the process of demolition and new construction in detail together with the design and construction team. At the same time, we communicated continuously with the municipality and local entrepreneurs and residents. In this way, we realised the peace in the process.

THE UNTHINKABLE THINKABLE

High quality despite tight frame­works

Because of the sensitive (political-administrative) context and long lead time, there was little room for manoeuvre in terms of time, money and spatial frameworks. Many people in the area expected that the project could not be realised within these spatial frameworks. But in the space that was available, a theatre opened in 2024 that fit perfectly. A theatre that the municipality of Den Bosch, the operator and all the people of Den Bosch can be proud of. The design has already been marked ‘potential monumental’ by the Aesthetics Commission.

Facts

  • Area: 11.000 sqm.
  • Capacity Large Hall: 920
  • Capacity Parade Hall: 435 (seated), 1000 (standing)

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Peter Zwart