Silesian Philharmonic is preparing for grand opening to be held from 28th to 30th of March. More complicated and expensive than expected, the investment was concluded after 42 months of extension and redevelopment works.
The building had been erected in 1873 and needed an immediate reparation. When the construction site had been handed over to Mostostal Warszawa in September 2010, the estimated cost of the undertaking was amounted to PLN 32,3 million. Now, the concert venue is completed and the final budget reached PLN 47,5 million.
The range of works was different than what had been supposed in the construction desing as the building needed additional foundations strengthening by the jet-grouting method and many new installations including the air-conditioning. Two new storeys were added at the top of the existing facility and a new structure were built behind to house offices, changing rooms, 110-seated chamber concert hall and a library.
„This is a registered building and the works had to be conducted under the agreement with the Silesian Voivodeship’s conservator of monuments. Additionally, we had to carry out many additional works on the foundations and other incidental activities. I have to confess that I was full of anxiety during the investment process as it would be easier and cheaper to erect a new building. However, we made it thanks to the persistency and self-will of the investor” – commented Alojzy Malczak, director at Mostostal Warszawa S.A.
The venue was extended by 2 066 sq. meters and now covers the area of 5 252 sq. meters. The great, 420-seated main concert hall was equipped with a new organ instrument manufactured by Karl Schuke Berliner Orgalbauwerkstatt from Germany. A restaurant and a patio were located at the top floor of the building.
The modernization and extension project was prepared by the Consultor architectural studio. The investment was financed by the European Union and the Silesian Voivodeship. The Silesian Philharmonic’s seat is located at 2 Sokolska St.
