Zurich Opera House building projects

Escher Terrassen

In close collaboration with Allreal and the architects, Zurich Opera House has pressed ahead with plans for the “Escher Terrassen” rehearsal stages. In parallel, the legal and contractual requirements were clarified for the sale to Allreal of the “Escher Wyss” rehearsal stages on Hardstrasse, which are in need of renovation, while at the same time acquiring the rehearsal stages in the new “Escher Terrassen” building. The new rehearsal stages should be ready for occupation in 2012.

Renovation of the Restaurant Belcanto

The Restaurant Belcanto, which apart from a coat of paint had not been redecorated for more than 25 years and was in need of renovation, underwent a complete overhaul during the 2009 summer break. Precise planning and the extraordinary efforts of all involved enabled the renovation to be completed during the seven-week summer break. Besides the creation of access for the disabled by installing a staff lift, the restaurant was enlarged considerably by removing the external arcades and repositioning the windows.

Bellevue car park

From April to August 2009, Stadelhoferplatz was redeveloped and the tram lines between Bellevue and Tiefenbrunnen were replaced. These projects were in connection with the construction of the underground car park beneath Theaterplatz. The ground-breaking ceremony for the “Opera” car park beneath Theaterplatz was then held in August. In this context, the Opera House had the architects Zach and Zünd examine the possibility of a subterranean link between the car park and the Opera House. It transpired that a convincing, spacious and weatherproof direct link would only be possible if major incursions were made into the existing structure.