2 new theatres going up on Olympic Plaza as reimagining of Werklund Centre continues

Work is underway on two new theatres being built on Olympic Plaza in Calgary.

The redesign of Olympic Plaza is moving into a new phase, as the new Werklund Theatre Centre rises above ground level.

Since construction on the new Werklund Centre began just a year ago, workers have completed the foundation and leveling of the landscape.

Now they are starting on the two theatres, the 1,000 seat Osten-Victor Playhouse and a 200-seat studio theatre.

The $70 million redesign will create new space for various events.

The city says developments like this are important to make downtown more attractive.

“I think this city deserves it,” said Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) CEO Kate Thompson.

“I think we have an amazing group of citizens here in Calgary that want to see excellence.”

“And we think of that every time we sit around the table with a pen and a piece of paper thinking, what could this be?”

Extensive renovation will also be done to the Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons), once the next phase of funding is secured.

The Werklund Theatre Centre and the new new Olympic Plaza are slated to open in 2028.