Biel gets a new theater and concert stage
The municipal council of the city of Biel has approved a project loan for the renovation of the Theater Palace. The hall in the immediate vicinity of the train station is to be adapted for use for theater, opera, dance and music performances.
Last year, after much deliberation, the municipal council decided to close the Palace cinema in summer 2014 and subsequently consulted the users on the renovation. In particular, the visibility and acoustics in the auditorium are to be improved and the technology renewed.
The costs for the renovation are estimated at around CHF 5 million, with around half of this amount to be covered by contributions from the lottery fund and third parties. The renovation is scheduled for 2016.
The Spectacles français Foundation, which already organizes the guest performance season at the Palace, is to take over the operation and rental of the Palace. The Palace is to be rented out to event organizers and private individuals on attractive terms. The Palace Hall, with its 580 seats in the immediate vicinity of Biel/Bienne railroad station and in the middle of the language border, is of great importance for the region. It complements the municipal theater and completes the city's infrastructure for the performing arts.
