After the fire in Leuben: experts examine the old state operetta!

After the fire in Leuben: experts examine the old state operetta!

Experts are currently working in Leuben to investigate the consequences of a fire in the former state operetta. This acute situation leads to inspections being carried out regarding the stability of the building. The city administration has already initiated safety measures, including planning a roof safety device to prevent parts from falling. The inspection of the structure is a prerequisite for the installation of this safety device, as shown on MeiDresden is reported.

It will be necessary to close all entrances to the building complex with panels by the weekend. The windows and entrances on the ground floor were already secured in advance. The property is currently monitored around the clock by a security service. The costs for the comprehensive security measures have so far amounted to around 32,000 euros, but the prospects for the building remain unclear.

Unclear future and possible uses

The city administration is in internal coordination to advance a feasibility study on the development of the area. This study was carried out between September 2021 and April 2022 as part of a city council resolution and with the help of citizen participation. The city planners have various scenarios to review that will be discussed in the short term, such as the continued use of the main building for the purposes of the city district or the accommodation of a high school, which has already been rejected.

Another scenario being discussed concerns the approval of interim uses by the cultural and creative industries. Rumors are circulating about it being used as refugee accommodation. A particularly interesting point is the possible construction of apartments by the municipal subsidiary “Wohnen in Dresden” (WiD) in the rear part of the property, which could further increase the attractiveness of the area.

Fire protection and safety standards

The challenges that arise when investigating fires are not only technical, but also a question of safety. In order to go from a design to an approved construction project, optimal fire protection solutions are essential. In this context, a smoke extraction concept for the building is also important, as shown on HK fire protection is discussed. Measures to ensure escape routes and to ensure safety in early project phases play a central role here.

Proposals for further action have already been scheduled for the upcoming meeting of the city district advisory board on June 26, 2025, at which citizens will be informed about the various possible uses and the future of the former state operetta.
It remains to be seen which plans the city administration will ultimately implement and how Leuben residents feel about the development of the area.