Today, 2nd of February, representatives from AS Riigi Kinnisvara and Nordecon AS signed a contract on the main stage of Ugala theatre to begin with extensive reconstruction works on the theatre building. Construction on the red brick building with 10 000 m2 space will take 13 month and it will be returned to the theatre in the spring of 2017. The cost of the work is 7.85 million Euros, excluding VAT.
General manager of the theatre Kristiina Alliksaar stated at the signing: “Ugala theatre has waited to be renovated for a long time. First renovation projects found in the manager’s office are from 1990s. The fact that the construction will begin at last, after many obstacles, is actually a bit unexpected and unreal, but we are ready for it. Collaboration with the architects has reached the solutions that take into account the theatre’s needs; we are most looking forward to having two halls to simultaneously rehearse and give performances in. We are also expecting the building to be warm, cozy and full of light, for many of our employees might spend more time here than in their own homes.“
The contractor for the construction is Nordecon AS, represented at the singing by chairman of the board Jaano Vink. “Nordecon has renovated many culturally significant building in Estonia, the latest being St. Paul’s Church of Tartu, a building linked to Ugala by its dignified content as well as gorgeous red brick facade,” Nordecon AS’s chairman of the board Jaano Vink said. “I am certain that once renovated, Ugala theatre will be an even more beautiful and cherished meeting place for all culture friends from Viljandi and other parts of Estonia too. Renovating an architectural treasure with its own spirit is of course more challenging to the builder than constructing a new house.”
Architectural solutions for this 1981 building comes from architects Irina Raud and Inga Orav, interior design was created by Mait Summatavet. The same architects also drew up a reconstruction project to base the renovation work on.
The first priority is to start with demolition work in the theatre, including dismantling all the old technology systems. To build a black box type hall a “big hole” will be made to where the small hall is now; only load bearing constructions and some partition walls will remain from the rest of the building. Along with reconstructing the theatre building, all the stage technology systems will be replaced.
After opening 35 years ago, the theatre building has not seen any significant reconstruction. This means that as things stand now, one of Ugala theatre building’s architectural features – the red brick facade – is deteriorating; the technology systems are also from when the building was first constructed and consume a lot of power. The interior of the theatre is likewise dated. Moreover, the functionality of the space no longer serves its contemporary purpose the best way possible. A solution will be fount to all of these concerns in the reconstruction process and in the spring of 2017 a completely rejuvenated theatre building will be waiting for its audience.
As one of the biggest changes, the theatre can, in the future, give performances at the same time in the big hall with 500 seats and in the black box style small hall that during the reconstruction will become a 200-seater multifunctional hall. Additionally the building’s facade will be completely renovated and the interior reconstructed. Ugala theatre’s cafe will also undergo a significant change. It will have two storeys and be accessible when there are no performances. Everyday work in the theatre will gain by having more rehearsal space. The grounds of the theatre will be tidied up and more parking spaces will be added to make the access easier for the audience. There is a plan to build a romantic promenade for walking by Valuoja pond next to Ugala building.
