Grand Théâtre d'Agadir: open before the end of 2025?

The centrepiece of the 2020-2024 Urban Development Programme, which is dramatically transforming, modernising and beautifying Agadir, the Grand Theatre is set to open before the end of 2025, in time for the start of the eight matches of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in the capital of Souss, the first of which is scheduled for 22 December. This is certainly the goal being pursued by the governor of the Province of Souss-Massa, Saaïd Amzazi, who is pulling out all the stops. But is this objective realistic, given that work is currently focused on installing the exterior cladding (see photo)?

Designed from the outset by the architects (see photo), this cladding is worth taking a closer look at. It is made up of triangles of glass-reinforced concrete (GRC). Lighter than traditional concrete, it can be moulded into complex shapes, offering greater flexibility and therefore originality in architectural design. It is also said to be less susceptible to corrosion.

The installation of these panels is well advanced. The number of workers on the site has been doubled. The issue of meeting deadlines is therefore not a concern here, nor is it a concern for the landscaping, which will be completed quickly. The main concern is the complex interior installation of this 1,000-seat hall (see photo). For example, the tender for the production of the seats is still ongoing. The main question, however, is whether this leading cultural facility will be able to open on time.

The only contender, French company Kanju, was reportedly excluded from the operating strategy. This cultural engineering specialist collaborated on projects for the Grand Theatres of Rabat and Casablanca, although the one in the capital is not yet operational, even though the building has been completed for some time (see photo). On the other hand, financial management consulting has been officially awarded to the Moroccan subsidiary of the French company Projexia International. Meanwhile, the Moroccan company Finatech Systems has been selected to develop scenographic systems.

The steering and monitoring committee for the Urban Development Programme had taken the precaution of planning for operations to be prepared in parallel with the construction work, so that the management team would be in place and trained by the end of the year.

Will this ambitious goal be achieved? Will the artistic programme for the opening season be announced soon? And what will the conditions be in terms of prices and subscriptions? Or will the Grand Théâtre d'Agadir be declared complete without actually being operational? All these questions remain unanswered.