The Latvian National Opera has completed the energy efficiency improvement and engineering systems renewal works carried out with funding from the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility. In parallel, careful restoration of the historic interior continues on the ground floor of the Latvian National Opera. The project is being implemented by SIA Pillar Contractor.

“Upon completing this extensive stage of reconstruction, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet has gained modern and sustainable electrical, heating, ventilation and cooling, as well as water supply and sewage systems. These systems were not replaced during the previous reconstruction and had reached a state of emergency or near-emergency condition. As a result, the microclimate, energy efficiency and working environment of the historic building have been significantly improved. We are grateful to all our audience members and employees for their patience during this complex period of works, and we are pleased that the restored building will continue to serve both artists and audiences for many decades to come,” says Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.

The scope of the works has been particularly extensive. During the project, more than 40 kilometres of electrical wiring, approximately four kilometres of heating pipes, three kilometres of cold and hot water pipes, and more than one kilometre of sewage pipes were installed. Wall and ceiling surfaces have also been restored, and lighting fixtures appropriate to the historic interior have been installed.

In addition to the works included in the project, restoration of the historic interior on the ground floor of the building is still ongoing. This work is being carried out gradually and with particular care, including the installation of wallpapers and floor tiling. Full completion of these works is planned by the beginning of the new season.

The aim of the project is to preserve and develop an important piece of cultural heritage – the historic building of the Latvian National Opera, an architectural monument of national significance – while improving its energy efficiency and ensuring its sustainable operation in the future. During the renovation of the building, special attention has been paid to preserving its historic authenticity, respecting the original materials, technologies and historic construction methods.

The implementation of the project is financed under the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan, Reform and Investment Area 1.2 “Improving Energy Efficiency”, Investment 1.2.1.4.i. “Improving Energy Efficiency in Public Sector Buildings, including Historic Buildings”, as well as from the own funds of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.

The total cost of the Latvian National Opera building development project is EUR 12,505,202.97, including:

- Recovery and Resilience Facility funding: EUR 10,330,983.77;
- State budget funding: EUR 2,174,219.20.