The Municipality of Veenendaal has officially awarded the contract for its new theatre to architecture firm MVRDV, in collaboration with engineering consultancy Buro Happold. The project will combine a traditional theatre, a pop-stage, and a cinema, creating a multifunctional cultural venue for the city.
The winning design was the preferred choice of both the public jury and the professional jury, reflecting broad support from experts and residents alike. During the selection process, one competing architect filed an objection to the provisional results. After a detailed consultation explaining the assessment, the objection was withdrawn, completing the procedure and confirming MVRDV and Buro Happold as the project’s designers.
In January 2026, the two firms will present their design vision to the Veenendaal city council. Over the coming months, they will continue to develop the sketch design in collaboration with various experts. Following this phase, the council will decide whether to allocate the funding required for construction.
The project timeline foresees demolition of the existing theatre in mid-2027, with the new building expected to open after the summer of 2029.
This development marks a major cultural investment for Veenendaal. The new theatre will serve as a versatile hub for performances, music, film, and community events, reflecting the city’s commitment to modern, flexible, and accessible cultural spaces.
Source: veenendaal.nl with additional information added by Glass Balkan