It recently has been announced that DOT, the planetarium and restaurant that doubles as the world’s largest ‘bauble’ come Christmas time, is closing down.
The Northern Times reached out to the DOT to learn more about what led to this decision.
If possible, would you want to keep the bauble up and running?
Unfortunately, DOT will no longer be a ‘Biggest Christmas Ball’ this year. We were unable to secure funding.
Why does DOT have to close down?
After a number of years of running the DOT location as a catering and event location with great pleasure, it is time for us to focus on other matters.
If DOT would be saved, would it still be feasible to also keep the bauble?
That is a choice for the new owners of DOT.
Why does DOT have to be demolished instead of finding a new purpose for the building?
There are ongoing talks with the Municipality to discuss the zoning plan of the Vrydemalaan, but also that of DOT. There is a big chance that the DOT building can be placed at another location. But the building really must be gone by 2027.
If DOT disappears will the stadsstrand disappear as well?
For now, the municipality wants to keep the city beach. They are also looking at other catering options to provide beach visitors with a drink and a bite.
Until when will DOT be open?
2027
Are there other plans to build something instead?
The Municipality’s zoning plan has not yet been announced.
The DOT has been a well-known landmark in Groningen, especially with its striking dome-shaped structure and its use as a unique projection space. The municipality tried to find a new place for it in the city but with no luck.
However, according to Sikkom, the municipality might be saving DOT after all by letting it stay until 2028. Because of this, the owners of Florentin and Pachamama, among others, might take over the business in due time. The new owners also will try to get the bauble up and running again, which wasn’t feasible for the current owners this year as it was too expensive to replace the broken lights, but now the costs can be spread over a few years.
