Africa-Press – Mauritius. The contract for Phase 3 of the Plaza Theatre renovation project was signed, yesterday, during a ceremony held at the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin–Rose Hill, symbolising a further milestone in the restoration of this national cultural landmark.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea; the Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mrs Eileen Karen Lee Chin Foo Kune-Bacha; the Mayor of the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin – Rose Hill, Mrs Marie Gabriella Rimena Batour; and other personalities were present.
In his address, Minister Nagalingum recalled that, for several decades, the Plaza Theatre was home to a vibrant and diverse cultural programme, playing a key role in the development and promotion of theatre and the arts in Mauritius. He noted that following its closure in the early 2000s due to structural deterioration, the theatre has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration programme aimed at preserving this emblematic monument and reinstating its cultural vocation.
According to the Minister the Plaza Theatre remains a powerful symbol of national heritage, collective memory and Mauritian cultural identity. He expressed hope that, once fully operational, the theatre would be made available to artists as a dedicated space to showcase and promote their talents. He also urged the contractor to ensure that the works are completed within the prescribed timeframe.
Minister Woochit highlighted that substantial progress has already been achieved, with the completion of the roof structure, the Salle des Fêtes and the Administrative Block. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s heritage while ensuring that Plaza continues to be accessible and beneficial to future generations.
He further indicated that Phase 3 represents an investment of Rs 256 million and focuses on the rehabilitation of the main theatre building and works are expected to be completed within 18 months. Once operational, the Plaza Theatre will function as a major national venue for the performing arts, hosting theatre productions, musical performances, dance shows and exhibitions.
For her part, the Mayor of Beau Bassin–Rose Hill, Mrs Marie Gabriella Rimena Batour, emphasised that the third phase of the renovation reflects the importance provided by the Municipal Council to culture as a fundamental pillar of society. This project demonstrates a strong commitment to restoring the theatre’s cultural and educational role while preserving its rich cultural patrimony, she said.
The Plaza Theatre
Located at the heart of the historic municipal complex of Rose Hill, the Plaza Theatre was constructed following a popular petition in 1927 and was officially inaugurated in 1933. Designed in the Italian architectural style, the theatre is renowned for its elegant design, exceptional acoustics and seating capacity of approximately 1,500.
