Construction company Veidekke has secured a contract to convert the old Sentralbadet building into a performing arts centre in Bergen, Norway.  

Bergen Municipality has awarded the contract worth Nkr330m ($31.50m), excluding VAT, with additional options.  

The development is a collaborative construction project.  

Sentralbadet is a 1960s building designed by architect Halfdan Grieg. The building formerly housed Bergen's swimming pool. 

Veidekke Bygg Bergen district manager Thor Småbrekke said: “We have developed the project together with Bergen Municipality, architect and consultants and greatly appreciate the confidence shown in us and are grateful for the commission.  

“Many of us are looking forward to starting the construction work on what will be a great building for performing arts for the benefit of the city's population, Carte Blanche, BIT Teatergarasjen and other art and cultural players.” 

The pool building is currently undergoing complete demolition while the front building will preserve most of its load-bearing structures post-demolition.  

The new performing arts centre will feature two large stages with 150 and 300 seats, respectively, locker room facilities, two rehearsal halls, and a foyer for the public. 

Bergen Municipality holds an option for a four-storey office space extension in the front building.  

Demolition work commenced in November 2023, with many objects and materials said to be saved for reuse in the new facility.   

Construction is scheduled to begin in May this year, with completion anticipated in early 2026. 

Veidekke included the project in its order book for the fourth quarter of 2023. 

Earlier this month, Veidekke was commissioned to construct an environmentally certified activity centre in Sandefjord, a municipality in Vestfold, Norway.