Universal Hall reconstruction in Skopje shows little visible progress; ministry says work continues

Work on the long-stalled Universal Hall in Skopje remains visibly idle on the ground despite repeated official assurances that the project is proceeding, raising questions about whether the venue can be finished in time for events tied to Skopje’s year as European Capital of Culture 2028.

Four months ago a contractor was selected after a tender process and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced a reconstruction schedule aiming for completion by December 2027. The chosen company, Universal Balkan, is the same firm that carried out previous works on the site.

Ministry insists there is no delay

On the site today the metal framework and the dome are already exposed and showing signs of rust. Observations by passers-by show only two or three people inside the fenced area and no heavy machinery or other visible activity that would indicate active construction.

The deadline now stands at about 16 months away and the contract covers a major renovation. Asked why there is so little visible progress, the Ministry responded with a formal statement: "We would like to inform you that the activities on the facility are being carried out in accordance with the concluded contract and the planned dynamic schedule for project implementation. At this moment there are no problems or stoppages in implementation. The works on the facility are being carried out according to the established dynamics, and the deadline for completion remains according to the agreed conditions. The project is implemented continuously, in accordance with the planned dynamics and all obligations undertaken by the contractor."

The contract with Universal Balkan is reportedly worth around €19 million including VAT. Under the tender the rebuilt hall will keep the existing form but be completely modernized: 1,200 seats, new spatial acoustics, stage technology, LED lighting, audio-video and electrical systems, energy-efficient materials and redesigned exterior landscaping.

Minister Zoran Ljutkov has also defended the steel frame already in place, saying that the new structure is safe: "The new steel structure is absolutely safe. It is ten times more stable and safer than the previous one that Universal Hall had for decades. It is specifically designed to bear, without problems, the weight of the new façade, but also the completely new stage technological equipment that will be installed inside," Ljutkov said.

Critics note the project’s troubled recent history: the hall was closed in 2015 after a piece of the ceiling fell during an SDSM event; reconstruction began in June 2021 under Mayor Petre Shilegov, was halted under Mayor Danela Arsovska amid design concerns, and responsibility later shifted to the national ministry. A fire in April 2024 destroyed remnants of the old hall and left only the newly placed steel structure.

Photo: press material from the event