Stuttgart delays decision on interim venue for billion‑euro opera renovation

The Stuttgart City Council has postponed the vote on an interim performance venue for the multi‑billion‑euro renovation of the Württembergische Staatstheater. The decision, originally slated for before the summer break, was moved to the end of September after several parties demanded further cost‑saving measures.

The revised interim venue at the Wagenhallen will be about 40 % smaller than initially planned, with seating reduced from 1,200 to 1,040 and a simplified construction method. The project budget for the interim facility is now capped at €289 million, while the overall theatre renovation is still estimated at just over €1 billion. City officials warn that each year of delay adds tens of millions of euros in extra construction costs and raises the risk that regular opera and ballet performances may have to be curtailed.

Debate continues over the full scope of the renovation, with multiple council factions calling for a review of the programme, additional savings, and clearer cost forecasts for the historic opera house, which requires extensive restoration under heritage protection rules.