Augsburg State Theatre: No Construction Stop After Hazard Alarm - Augsburg’s State Theatre Renovation Resumes After Safety Scare and Soaring Costs
Renovation work at Augsburg’s State Theatre will continue after a brief halt over safety concerns. The project, already years behind schedule and vastly over budget, faced another setback when potentially hazardous materials were found in the ceiling. Tests later confirmed no airborne contaminants, clearing the way for construction to resume.
The pause began last week after workers discovered suspicious substances in the main auditorium’s ceiling. Samples were rushed to a lab for analysis, raising fears that post-war reconstruction materials might have been used. While the historic auditorium’s work stopped, nearby new builds—including a studio theatre called the Small House and an operational building for workshops—remained unaffected.
Architecture firm HENN has overseen the project since mid-2025, taking over from Achatz Architects. The refurbishment, initially budgeted at €186 million, now carries an estimated cost of €417 million. Critics, including the German Taxpayers’ Association, have repeatedly highlighted the project in its 'Black Book' as a case of mismanaged public funds.
Despite the delays, completion is still planned for 2030. The final design includes a new studio theatre, rehearsal spaces, and administrative offices. The project, spanning over a decade, aims to modernise one of Augsburg’s most historic cultural landmarks.
With no hazardous materials detected, construction will move forward as scheduled. The theatre’s refurbishment, now expected to cost more than double its original budget, remains on track for a 2030 finish. The project’s long timeline and rising expenses continue to draw scrutiny from financial watchdogs.
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