Bad Berleburg. The script has been written, and alongside the ongoing work on the setting, casting is also taking place in parallel – that’s one way to describe the current status of the major “New Capitol” project in Herrengarten, Bad Berleburg, staying within the language of film. This is fitting, as the holistic concept of cinema, hotel, and restaurant embraces this very theme in all its facets.
An approach that is certainly quite extraordinary, as Carolin Lünser confirms in an interview. “Such a concept is something special and almost unique in Germany. Only in Harsefeld near Buxtehude is there a similar cinema-hotel concept,” says the project manager, who has been intensively involved in planning the three components – cultural cinema, cinema hotel, and restaurant – since May. The investor is HCK GmbH & Co. KG, led by Christian Kocherscheidt, with planning carried out by Pahl + Weber-Pahl Planungsgesellschaft Darmstadt.
Foundation slab before Christmas
In Bad Berleburg, people have now become accustomed to the large construction site near the Johannes-Althusius-Gymnasium. Especially since the planned opening of the New Capitol in autumn 2022 has generated excitement not only in the town itself but throughout the Wittgenstein region. It is therefore encouraging that the construction work – the “setting” mentioned earlier – is continuing at full speed, as Carolin Lünser confirms. After completing the extensive basement work, the next ambitious goal is to lay the foundation slab before Christmas, if possible. Fortunately, the project has largely been spared from the widespread material supply issues affecting many industries, meaning there have been no significant delays so far.
However, Lünser notes that the effects of the pandemic are still being felt – particularly in the ongoing “casting” phase, meaning the recruitment of a team for the hotel and restaurant. While she cannot yet comment on the search for a specific operator, she acknowledges that the staff shortages in the hospitality sector have made it more challenging to find suitable candidates. Nevertheless, promising contacts have already been established, and job postings are planned soon. Many options are conceivable – for example, a chef could also take on the role of operator. “The important thing is that we find a team that supports the concept,” emphasizes the project manager, adding that there is room for creative input.
Big plans for cinema and hotel
The concept – or “script” – is already clearly defined and connects all three project components. “The entire building is an experience,” promises Carolin Lünser about what she calls her “passion project.” On the ground floor, where the three cinema halls are being renovated and 182 seats will be available, the main auditorium will be equipped with a stage and state-of-the-art event technology. In addition to blockbuster films, it will also host various cultural events such as readings, cabaret performances, private celebrations, and conferences.
The restaurant will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal before the film begins. “One of the main challenges will be serving food on time – because the film won’t wait,” says the former regional LEADER manager. For special occasions, themed menus, drinks, and snacks will also be created – for example, a classic martini reception for a James Bond film. Shaken, not stirred, of course. A Sunday brunch is also conceivable and in demand in the Wittgenstein region.
Guests as the main characters
The hotel, planned for the currently unused attic, will include ten barrier-free double rooms and two accessible suites, seamlessly integrating into the overall concept. Traditional reception desks will be replaced, and there are plans to equip each room with its own projector instead of standard flat-screen TVs. “This way, every guest would have their own small cinema and could, for example, order popcorn to their room,” explains the project manager. One principle stands above all: “Our guests should be the main characters – and we are the directors.”
Newspaper article from the Siegener Zeitung, November 12, 2021, by Lars Lenneper.