Lucerne: Out for Salle Modulable

According to media reports, the opponents argued mainly with the high costs of CHF 208 million. In addition, the trust, which manages the assets of patron Christoph Engelhorn and wants to contribute CHF 80 million, is "non-transparent" and "undemocratic. Proponents spoke of a unique opportunity for Lucerne as a cultural and tourism location.

The new theater was to include a flexible large auditorium, a smaller performance hall and four studios. According to the feasibility study, it was planned to upgrade the entire Inseli Park into an "urban space with a cultural orientation.

The Salle Modulable Foundation regrets the cancellation of the project and expresses its disappointment. "The decision is unfortunately short-sighted and despondent," Foundation Board President Hubert Achermann was quoted as saying in a media release. The project would have deserved to clarify the open questions and let the population decide after the project planning, he says. (ah)