VINCI Energies signed a PPP with the German town of Velbert (North Rhine-Westphalia) to upgrade and operate its civic centre the Burgerforum Niederberg.

The centre, built in the early 1980s, is ones of the town's iconic cultural venues. It includes a 780-seater theatre, two recreation rooms and a meeting hall that hosts numerous exhibitions and events. Once the project is completed, the centre will offer additional services, including a media library, a cafeteria, a citizens office (Burgerburo), a community education centre and a music and arts centre.

The first phase of the project involves renovating, extending and elevating the building to transform it into a modern, multipurpose venue. The original architecture, which is listed, will be preserved to combine tradition with modernity. The upgrade work and technology used will significantly improve the energy performance of the building so it exceeds federal requirements. The work, representing a total value of EUR44 million, will begin in autumn 2020 and will be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

The partnership will continue with the contract to operate the building until 2048, worth a total EUR32 million. This phase will involve in particular providing concierge services, upkeep, maintenance, reinvestment and energy provision.

'Through this successful partnership, we will bring together culture and education all under one roof. We will create a cultural centre open to people of all ages, located in the heart of our town,' explained Dirk Lukrafka, Mayor of Velbert.

'All those involved are excited to see the finished product! The cultural diversity, the possibility of putting on more shows and developing synergies with neighbouring towns in the future represent an extraordinary opportunity for Velbert and its population,' said Linda Frenzel, Director of Velbert's cultural service.

'We are working in close collaboration with the client, who benefits from shorter timescales and general contracting services,' explained Bernard Jean, Director of VINCI Facilities Solutions GmbH, subsidiary of VINCI Energies. 'The architectural specificities and the challenges that arise as a result are what make the Burgerforum Niederberg project special. It's an iconic place that will showcase VINCI's expertise on demanding projects.'

VINCI Energies has already successfully completed around twenty PPP projects in Germany since 2004, for which it is still providing operation and maintenance services.

About VINCI Energies

In a world undergoing constant change, VINCI Energies focuses on connections, performance, energy efficiency and data to fast-track the rollout of new technologies and support two major changes: the digital transformation and the energy transition. With their strong regional roots, agile and innovative, VINCI Energies' business units boost the reliability, safety, sustainability and efficiency of energy, transport and communication infrastructure, factories, buildings and information systems.

About VINCI

VINCI is a global player in concessions and contracting, employing more than 222,000 peoplein nearly 120 countries. We design, finance, build and operate infrastructure and facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all. Because we believe in all-round performance, above and beyond economic and financial results, we are committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. And because our projects are in the public interest, we consider that reaching out to all our stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them is essential in the conduct of our business activities. VINCI's goal is to create long-term value for its customers, shareholders, employees, and partners and for society at large.

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