At present, the biggest challenge for builders is assembling metal columns around the stage. Other tasks for the first phase of the reconstruction include the restoration of the grandstand, the completion of the metal structures on the stage, and the installation of the acoustic shields. After the School song and Dance Festival in 2020, the builders will resume work on the dressing and utility rooms as well as the facade.
“A protective film will be placed between the columns and the stage so that the school song festival could be organized. After that, the wall should be glazed. That is the main thing, and the last will be the membrane above the acoustic shields. What's it for? It will serve as protection from the sun and rain. It's necessary,” said Rīga Mayor Oļegs Burovs (Honor to Serve Riga).
Meanwhile, conductor Ints Teterovskis noted that the most important aspect is the acoustics: “The main thing is for it to sound acoustic. At the moment, it seems to me the layout and constructions that are being used will provide it. But of course you have to wait for the overhang, its roof section, and the acoustic shields, which will be installed by the time of the school song festival. The first attempt will be very special. I hope it turns out well. Perhaps the first time both children and adults could sing together to get a sense of how the stage sounds.”
A novelty on the bandstand will be a special device which will blow fog to cool down participants and standing easier.
The total cost of rebuilding the Mežaparks Great Bandstand could be close to 100 million euros. It is planned to complete the bandstand by the 2023 Song and Dance Festival.
To ensure that the School Song and Dance Festival takes place in 2020, the architects were entrusted to divide the second phase into stages B1 and B2. The first stage of the second phase would involve the construction of the stage itself, while the second phase would involve the construction of utility and office buildings, as well as the improvement of the territory.
