Olten: City examines new use for Capuchin monastery

The Capuchin order will leave its monastery in Olten at Easter 2024 - after more than 400 years. The city of Olten then wants to take over the property, which is located in the middle of the city and near the train station.

According to the city, several discussions have already been held with the owner of the monastery, the canton of Solothurn. Accordingly, the canton wants to hand over the property on a building lease - on the condition that the building is used for public purposes "as far as possible". The monastery garden should definitely be open to the public in future.

As a next step, the canton and city want to examine a letter of intent to conclude a building lease agreement, after which a feasibility study will be carried out. The city council would like to locate the music school in the monastery building, but the feasibility study should also include clarifications on other municipal uses and a possible parking garage under the monastery garden. (ah)