Turnov is preparing a reconstruction of the theater facilities for tens of millions

Turnov (Semilsko) - Turnov is preparing a renovation of the foyer and other facilities of the municipal theater, which is estimated to cost 30 to 40 million crowns. The project is still in its early stages; there is not even a study completed yet. Mayor Tomáš Hocke stated that they would like to have it ready by January next year.

"This is a matter that belongs to Turnov's priorities," he stated. The mayor intends to start the renovation by the fall of 2018, and the town of fourteen thousand will fund it from its own budget. "There are no grants for this," he said.

The Turnov theater, with a capacity of 310 seats, was established 142 years ago and is one of the oldest stone theaters in the country. It was built by the local savings bank for amateur actors, constructed as a smaller copy of the National Theater in Prague. The last major renovation, costing 2.3 million crowns, took place at the beginning of the 1980s and lasted three years.

According to the mayor, Turnov still has a beautiful theater that it can be proud of. "The only, but fundamental problem is the facilities," he said. The dressing room space is small, the capacity of the restrooms is insufficient, as is the area where the audience can socialize during intermission or after the performance. "There is also a lack of an entrance area, meaning space in front of the theater, and the building is not barrier-free. We would also like to address the theater bar better and more appropriately," Hocke added.

The town hall is considering incorporating the neighboring building into the theater renovation. It will depend on the results of the study. The city will not announce a public architectural competition for it but has directly approached two recognized architects, Ladislav Lábus and Josef Pleskot. "We are negotiating with them about whether and under what conditions they would carry out the study," added Hocke.

The theater in Turnov is among the most utilized. The foundation of the program consists of theater subscription performances presented by well-known groups from across the country and Turnov’s music evenings. Approximately 100 people have subscriptions for performances each year. Children's theater performances are also regularly held at the theater, featuring school students, and it is used by local amateur groups as well. Every year, two theater festivals with a regional reach are also held at the theater – Turnovský drahokam and Modrý kocour.