The area between the Ada Bridge and the former Old Railway, soon to be pedestrian bridge, is given a modern frame, carefully integrated into the urban ambiance of the new Belgrade Waterfront Marina district. Halls 1, 2 and 3, as a protected cultural asset, retain their authentic character and public purpose, laying the foundations for a new cultural and social life in this part of the city.
Hall 1 – from a historical symbol to a cultural epicentre
Hall 1 will become the new centre of cultural events in the city, combining it historical significance, architectural distinction and unique ambiance under the recognizable concrete dome with dynamic and modern contents. The opera stage, theatre and cabaret will occupy the central place.
Conceived as the “heart” of the Belgrade Waterfront Marina, Hall 1 is located in the centre of the green pedestrian zone. In order to respect and enhance the unique features of the building, while respecting the historical essence, a “box within a box” concept will be applied. Namely, under the dome of Hall 1, three separate structures will be built, each with its own acoustics. The main “box” will become a new opera stage, with state-of-the-art equipment that meets the standards for the performance of even the most demanding international music events. The second “box” is designed for smaller theatre and ballet productions with innovative technology, while the third is intended for cabaret performances.
Consistently following the architecture of Hall 1, cafes, restaurants and shops will form a dynamic inner square, perfect for events, seasonal markets and pop-up programs. The circular galleries on the first and second floor offer a variety of amenities with views of the outer square and the interior of the dome, while the bridges and staircases emphasize the spaciousness and rhythmic structure.
The roof of the cabaret is designed as a modern food hall, the space above the theatre offers fine dining, and major city events will take place on the roof of the opera hall. Two entrances – one connected to public transport and the other to the square on the riverbank – enable the natural integration of Hall 1 with the park and promenade.
The author of the design is one of the leading British architectural offices, WilkinsonEyre, which has numerous internationally awarded projects in its portfolio. Some of their notable solutions are those for the restoration of the Battersea power station in London, for the One Barangaroo Tower in Sydney, CIBS Square in Toronto or Guangzhou Financial Centre, one of the highest buildings in the world.
The new concept of Hall 1 celebrates its architectural identity and historical significance, ensuring its long-term sustainability and role as one of the key cultural spaces of contemporary Belgrade.
Halls 2 and 3 – public competition and a new vision
As an indispensable part of the historically significant complex, Halls 2 and 3 preserve their authentic character and architectural structure. Appreciating above all the benefits for the wider community, it is planned that these two halls will become the home of a school, a kindergarten, a modern health facility and cultural amenities, intended for all citizens. The public architectural competition, which will be announced on this occasion, will provide an opportunity for contemporary and inspiring solutions, in the spirit of the historical values of the buildings and in harmony with the surrounding urban area.
Public good in the service of culture and community
The recognizable halls 1, 2 and 3 remain firmly established as a protected cultural asset, a symbol of Belgrade’s rich history and tradition. The Belgrade Waterfront company invests in the preservation of this public good and ensures that the space remains available to all citizens, while bringing modern contents and experiences that enrich the cultural, artistic and social life of the city. In this way, Belgrade’s heritage becomes the foundation for a new dimension of the urban and cultural landscape, in which history, architecture and public life coexist in perfect harmony.