Bad Berleburg. Drilling, hammering, and painting continue – while since March, the first guests have already been welcomed in the restaurant. We are talking about the “New Capitol” – the place where hotel, cinema, and gastronomy will soon be united under one roof. While the restaurant, led by head chef Norman Pontzen and service manager Isabell Pontzen, opened on March 4, the next grand opening is already just weeks away: on August 28, the first guests will be welcomed to the new hotel.
Work is progressing at full speed – and has even caused some sleepless nights, as Carolin Lünser, the director of the venue, explained. The reason: “Unfortunately, we are still waiting for the internet connection,” she said. During construction work, the line was damaged and now has to be replaced. “But work is ongoing at full speed – after all, digitalization is one of our core goals. And that only works with the right infrastructure.” Speaking of digitalization: the New Capitol will feature its own software, information terminals will be installed, and tickets and room bookings will be handled online. In addition, the ten rooms and two suites in the attic will be equipped with projectors and all major streaming services – “so guests can have their own private cinema experience,” Lünser explains.
To ensure everything is ready by August 28, work is being carried out simultaneously in multiple areas. “We are currently completing the final work in the hotel rooms,” she says. There is little flexibility in the timeline, as the opening date cannot be postponed: during that week, a major Ejot event will take place in Bad Berleburg, and the rooms are already reserved. “After that, bookings will be open to everyone.” The first inquiries have already been received. “That makes us very happy and shows that our concept of creating an experience venue is the right approach.” While work on the hotel is nearing completion, construction on the cinema continues in parallel.
The cinema
One of the most frequently asked questions: when will the cinema open? “It will still take a few more weeks,” says Lünser. “We are currently planning an opening in October.” A significant amount of modern technology has been installed. As before, there will be three cinema halls – with a special feature: the large hall will include a stage. “This allows for events such as theater performances, poetry slams, or concerts,” Lünser explains. The cinema program will be managed by Kai Winterhoff, owner of the Residenz Cinema in Bad Laasphe. Soon, films will once again be shown on the big screen in Bad Berleburg. The last screening took place three years ago, before Bernd Womelsdorf had to close the Capitol Cinema Center in January 2020 for health reasons. In April 2020, HCK GmbH & Co. KG, led by Christian and Kathrin Kocherscheidt, acquired the property.
The restaurant
Since then, much has happened: the restaurant opened on March 4 and was expanded shortly after Pentecost with outdoor dining. Since then, the tables have been in high demand. “We are receiving very positive feedback from our guests. Our outdoor area will soon become even more attractive,” says Lünser, referring to the forecourt, which is being redesigned by the town of Bad Berleburg.
The forecourt
A central element of the redesign will be a sculpture surrounded by a circular seating ring. The final decision regarding the sculpture is still pending, explains Christoph Koch, head of planning, construction, and housing for the city. “Once the remaining financial questions are clarified, the topic will be presented again to the relevant political committees.” The seating ring is designed to accommodate up to 28 people, according to Michael Birkelbach, head of infrastructure and recreation. “It will integrate into the existing paving – the current cobblestones will be cleaned and reused in line with the city’s sustainability strategy.” The ring will include a 1.5-meter-wide opening, ensuring barrier-free access. Ground-level lighting will subtly illuminate the sculpture, and mobile greenery and waste facilities will also be added. Construction work, including excavation and the concrete foundation, is expected to begin within the next two weeks, with completion planned for the end of September.
Newspaper article from the Westfalenpost, July 25, 2023, by Ramona Richter.