Andreas Wolf, Monika Weber-Pahl, Christian Kocherscheidt, Bernd Fuhrmann and Holger Saßmannshausen (from left) are delighted about the “New Capitol” and its diverse possibilities of use.
Bad Berleburg. A large auditorium, dimmed lights, deep bass resonating from the speakers and the scent of fresh popcorn – for most people, going to the cinema is more than just “watching a film.” It is an experience to be enjoyed with family, friends, or even alone. An experience that has no longer been possible in Bad Berleburg since the beginning of the year. For health reasons, the operator had to close the cinema in Herrenwiese. But now, cinema lovers and everyone who misses cabaret, variety shows and more can breathe a sigh of relief. The “New Capitol” is set to reopen in 2022. Cinema, variety, theater – combined with gastronomy and accommodation – this is the concept presented by the commissioned architect Monika Weber-Pahl (Pahl und Weber-Pahl Planungsgesellschaft Darmstadt).
The Idea
The concept is as follows: to create a place where events such as cinema screenings, readings, concerts and more can take place, where people can dine and also stay overnight. The name “Capitol” will remain – as will much of the 1950s aesthetic, complemented by modern architecture. This includes, for example, a new gastronomy area with indoor and outdoor service. Private use of the upper floors will no longer apply.
The Ground Floor
The ground floor will continue to house three cinema halls – with a capacity of around 188 seats. In addition, the large hall will feature a stage, allowing for readings and performances. Some seating can also be equipped with tables to enable food and beverage service. “The cinema is not intended to compete with the Bürgerhaus,” emphasizes Weber-Pahl. Rather, it is meant to complement the city’s cultural program. As for the entrance area, there will be a foyer on one side and a bistro on the other. In between, the counter area will serve as a bar, ticket desk, and room booking point. The outdoor space between the four trees will also be prepared for gastronomy use. The bistro itself will be a glass extension. There will also be a northern extension providing additional parking spaces and technical facilities on the upper floor.
The Upper Floor
On the upper floor, a gallery with up to 46 seats will be created in the bistro area. Additionally, the upper floor will house the administration, projection technology for the cinema halls, and a multifunctional room that can be booked for smaller gatherings. Catering services will also be available here via the bistro.
The Attic Floor
The bistro could also serve as a breakfast room, as the currently unused attic will be converted into a so-called “boarding house.” A total of eleven barrier-free double rooms and one accessible suite will be created.
The Investor
This is not an Ejot project – that much is certain. Instead, it is a project by HCK GmbH & Co. KG – behind which stand Hans, Christian and Katrin Kocherscheidt. “When it became clear that the cinema would close, I found that very unfortunate. I always enjoyed going to the cinema. And of course, you also think about the attractiveness of the location,” says Kocherscheidt. He himself had a strong interest in preserving something like the cinema in the town. Then came the realization: “If you don’t start thinking about it yourself now, it probably won’t happen. No one is going to come overnight and take over the cinema.” However, it quickly became clear to him that cinema operations alone would not be sustainable. “Eighty years ago, you could perhaps draw the masses to the cinema. Today, there is Netflix and more. But the strength of a cinema is that it is an experience – and that is what we need to leverage by turning a cinema visit back into an event – with food, drinks and everything that goes with it.” The key challenge for the future will now be finding a suitable operator. Hospitality, gastronomy and cinema? “If we find someone who can combine everything, that would be ideal. But we will have to see,” says Kocherscheidt. Mayor Bernd Fuhrmann praises the ideas for the New Capitol: “It is very important for the city’s development that the cinema is preserved.”
Photo: Ramona Richter
Newspaper article from the Wittgensteiner Zeitung, August 25, 2020, by Ramona Richter