New life for the state operetta: Dresden is planning a major redesign!

New life for the state operetta: Dresden is planning a major redesign!

At the beginning of June 2025, a fire reduced large parts of the former state operetta in the Leuben district to rubble and ashes. The ruins, which have been empty since the theater operations moved out in 2014, presented the city administration with the great challenge of finding a sustainable use for the area. On August 20, 2025, construction mayor Stephan Kühn presented a comprehensive development concept to the Leuben city district advisory board, which is now being developed step by step with the citizens' initiative “Alte Operette – Leuben”.

The concept envisages three development areas: an urban development center is to be built directly on the street, while the middle area of ​​the property is to provide residential building space. A social mix and the creation of special forms of housing are planned. An expansion of the adjacent sports facility at the rear of the site is also being considered. The residential building areas are to be realized by private investors on the basis of a concept tender. The entire process is accompanied by citizen participation and expert advice in order to create a well-founded basis for decision-making.

Safety measures and dismantling

The first measures have already been taken with regard to the fire ruins. The old stage area and the head building are to be demolished, with the city administration consulting with the insurer. Security precautions have been implemented to prevent unauthorized entry into the dangerous ruins and to ensure safety in public spaces. Observation measures have shown that the buildings have been unused since 2016, after the theater operations moved, and the security has now been carried out in consultation with experts. The population has already been informed about a feasibility study that is intended to evaluate the possibilities for repurposing the building structure.

Citizens’ input

Another important point is citizen participation. The survey to improve the value of the Leuben district will provide a broad framework to include the ideas and interests of Dresden residents. The focus is on the key project “Former State Operetta Leuben”. The aim of this citizen participation is not only to develop a viable reuse concept over the next five years, but also to create a new attractiveness and identity for the region.

In the feasibility study, which is being carried out by hpm Henkel Projektmanagement GmbH, there is a comprehensive examination of various possible uses. The study takes into account aspects such as renovation, modernization and demolition scenarios to find the best solution for this historic building. This approach is in the context of current research projects at the Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR), which deals with the future of historical buildings. The findings from these studies will also be important for the development of the Leuben location.

So it remains exciting to see how the area of ​​the former state operetta in Leuben will develop and what ideas citizens can bring into the process. A lot can happen right, left and often in front of your own door when committed minds come together and the entire life around the historic building is redesigned.

For more information and updates about the current state of affairs, here are the relevant links to the press releases from the city of Dresden, feasibility study for Staatsoperette and development perspectives for historical buildings.