Vinci Energies has signed a PPP with the German town of Velbert (North Rhine-Westphalia) to upgrade and operate its civic centre, the Bürgerforum Niederberg.

The centre, built in the early 1980s, is ones of the town’s iconic cultural venues. It includes a 780-seater theatre, two recreation rooms and a meeting hall that hosts numerous exhibitions and events. Once the project is completed, the centre will offer additional services, including a media library, a cafeteria, a citizens office (Bürgerbüro), a community education centre and a music and arts centre.

The first phase of the project involves renovating, extending and elevating the building to transform it into a modern, multipurpose venue. The original architecture, which is listed, will be preserved to combine tradition with modernity. The upgrade work and technology used will significantly improve the energy performance of the building so it exceeds federal requirements. The work, representing a total value of EUR 44 million (US$ 49.44 million), will begin in autumn 2020 and will be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

The partnership will continue with the contract to operate the building until 2048, worth a total EUR 32 million (US$ 35.95 million). This phase will involve in particular providing concierge services, upkeep, maintenance, reinvestment and energy provision.