Bad Berleburg. A major milestone has been reached for the new Capitol cinema in Bad Berleburg – the shell construction for the restaurant, cinema, and accommodation is complete. Guests were able to see this for themselves at the topping-out ceremony on Thursday evening – among them architects, planners, construction companies, supporters, as well as family and friends of the Kocherscheidt family. “This is a very special moment for us,” said project manager Carolin Lünser, who also introduced the other team members of the new Capitol: chef Norman Pontzen, service manager Isabell Pontzen, and cinema expert Kai Winterhoff, who also operates the Residenz Cinema in Bad Laasphe. “Since the team has been in place, I feel much more at ease,” said Christian Kocherscheidt. “For Bad Berleburg, the cinema is an important cultural institution that should be preserved and continued.”
Cinema events featuring exciting blockbusters, live culture with concerts, readings or cabaret, diverse gastronomy in a restaurant with an urban flair, and a centrally located hotel with modern rooms and suites – all under one roof. That is the plan for the “New Capitol” in Bad Berleburg. And this is precisely what makes the cinema-hotel concept so unique in the region. “There are only two of these in Germany – in Buxtehude and soon in Bad Berleburg,” says project manager Carolin Lünser.
“That we were able to bring Ms. Lünser on board as project manager was a crucial step for our project,” adds Christian Kocherscheidt. The Kocherscheidt family, who are preserving and further developing the cinema for Bad Berleburg, are pleased that the project is largely on schedule despite the challenges posed by the overall situation. The restaurant and bistro are set to open later this year, while the cinema and hotel will follow in the first half of 2023. “When we started this project, we had no idea what was ahead of us. Then suddenly COVID hit, and cinemas, restaurants, hotels – everything we want to combine in the new Capitol – had to close. We practically hit the triple jackpot,” Kocherscheidt said during his speech at the topping-out ceremony. “But now we hope everything will go well – and we are looking forward to the opening of the New Capitol.”
The beginnings
Kocherscheidt clearly remembers the moment when the “New Capitol” project began. “At the time, we were approached to see if we as a company would take over the premises. Only later did I learn about the serious illness of the former cinema operator Bernd Womelsdorf. I had known him since my school days.” That was in 2019. For the Kocherscheidt family, however, one thing was immediately clear: “We have to preserve the cinema – and with it, a piece of cultural life for the town of Bad Berleburg.” But they also knew that a cinema alone would be difficult to sustain. “A visit has to become an experience.” And that is exactly the goal that investors, architects, planners, and construction companies have been pursuing ever since.
Planning was entrusted to Pahl + Weber-Pahl Planungsgesellschaft from Darmstadt. The official groundbreaking ceremony took place a year ago, and much has happened since then. “We are pleased to celebrate the topping-out ceremony together with you today,” said architect Monika Weber-Pahl. “This is not an everyday construction project. But we knew it would be worthwhile and that the New Capitol would enrich cultural life in Bad Berleburg.” Nevertheless, the construction process was not without challenges. “There was limited space on the site, but the neighbors have always supported us – and continue to do so.” The topping-out ceremony was therefore the perfect opportunity to thank everyone involved – neighbors, supporters, planners, construction companies, and all those contributing to the project.
The plans
The building will meet modern technical and energy standards, including digital infrastructure and low-CO₂ energy sources. The “New CAPITOL” will retain its 1950s/60s visual style while being complemented by modern architecture. This can already be seen in the shell of the restaurant and bistro, which was inaugurated during the ceremony. Norman and Isabelle will soon welcome the first guests there – including at a long counter that will serve as a bar, reception, and ticket desk. “Everything happens here – there will be no separate reception,” explains Lünser. The restaurant will offer a total of 115 seats, along with outdoor dining into the late evening hours.
And the hotel? It will be located in the attic, featuring ten barrier-free double rooms and two accessible suites with a modern design. Access will be provided via elevator and staircase. “As throughout the entire hotel, the cinema concept will extend into all rooms. There will be projectors – and guests will even be able to order popcorn to their room for the perfect cinema experience,” says Lünser. Even during initial inspections, the investors were impressed by the attic structure. “We immediately knew: something truly special can be created here,” Kocherscheidt recalls.
Cinema and topping-out tradition
As for the cinema itself, there will be three halls – one large auditorium with a stage and flexible seating, and two smaller halls. “We are open to new ideas when it comes to usage,” says Carolin Lünser. “Concerts, cultural events, birthdays – everything is possible.”
Anyone interested in detailed plans for the New Capitol can view sketches of the restaurant, hotel, and cinema on the official website (www.capitol-blb.de).
And what should not be missing at a topping-out ceremony? The traditional carpenter’s speech. Together with his father Lothar Kuhmichel and architect Aline Ackermann, Nils Kuhmichel climbed up to deliver the ceremonial speech, before the empty beer glasses were thrown to the ground, shattering into pieces.
Newspaper article from the Westfalenpost, August 25, 2022, by Ramona Richter.