Πέμπτη 28.03.2024 ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑ

Plans for the renovation of Municipal Theatre and San Giacomo Old Town Hall

Municipal Theatre
28 Ιουλίου 2020 / 10:58

CORFU. Studies for the renovation of Corfu Municipal Theatre and San Giacomo Old Town Hall have been included in the Public Investments Programme - Collaboration between Ionian Islands Regional Administration and Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Municipality for the complete renovation of these two iconic buildings.

The Ionian Islands Regional Administration and Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Municipality are going ahead with the renovation of two of Corfu's iconic buildings - the Municipal Theatre and San Giacomo Old Town Hall.



There was a joint press conference on Monday 27 July with the Ionian Islands Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa and Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Mayor Meropi Ydraiou. Ms. Kratsa announced that the Ministry of Development had approved the inclusion of the study for 'Complete upgrade of Corfu Municipal Theatre and surrounding area' in the Public Investments Programme with funding of 600,000 Euros and 'San Giacomo building renovation project' with funding of 200,000 Euros.

The aim is for the two buildings to be given the cultural and social significance that they deserve with repairs to the deterioration they have suffered and aesthetic and operational improvements.



"The present Municipal Theatre is a disgrace," said the Regional Governor. "The building does not befit Corfu and we have decided with the Mayor to work together so that Corfu can have a modern theatre which reflects the island's high artistic quality and traditions. The theatre will become a modern building and along with the renovation of the surrounding area will introduce a more contemporary architecture in a town with a long history and a modern presence."



Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Mayor Meropi Ydraiou said that the approval of the Municipality's proposals was a positive step for the preparation of the studies for two of Corfu's iconic buildings the Municipal Theatre and San Giacomo Old Town Hall and thanked the Regional Governor, the Deputy Governor for Corfu Melita Andrioti and the Deputy Governor for Technical WOrks Manolis Orphanoudakis for their cooperationa and assistance.

Ms. Ydraiou also thanked the Municipal Technical Works personnel and especially the Deputy Mayor Nikos Kalogeros for the hard work they had put into the preparation of the proposals.

She said that the two studies which were approved were for the complete reconstruction and renovation of the two buildings.

The deadline for the completion of the study for the Municipal Theatre and surrounding area is 18 months. The work includes the drawing up of architectural, structural and acoustic studies along with the installation of electromechanical systems and lighting.

The Mayor said that the proposal includes a proposal for the renovation of the facade and the area outside the theatre which won an award 10 years ago when she, herself, was Deputy Prefect for Environment and Town Planning.

This proposal has been included for whoever prepares the complete study to take into account.



As regards San Giacomo, Ms. Ydraiou said that the proposal and technical report includes the building's renovation and operation once again in the old town.

The proposal provides for an area for ceremonies and the welcoming of official visitors, offices for the Mayor and secretarial staff as well as the space for events commensurate with the historical and architectural worth of the building. A digital information centre for the public and will also be included and a service for the public for issues regarding the old town.

"San Giacomo has a great artistic history but today is the Municipal Headquarters and Corfiots' 'home'. It must be given the significance it deserves with regard to its history and modern function. It will be transformed into a more sustainable building, damages will be repaired, its artistic features will be showcased and official visitors will be received there - providing the image that Corfu deserves," said the Regional Governor.

"We hope that these two buildings will take their proper place in the life of the town and provide an example of how historical Municipal buildings and monuments can be developed and highlighted," added Meropi Ydraiou.



The Regional Governor also announced that the study for the renovation of the Regional Administration Building in Corfu was also included in the programme and will receive funding of 400,000 Euros with a 12-month deadline.

Deputy Regional Governor for Corfu Melita Andrioti said that the vision of the Regional Administration is to showcase the history of the Ionian Islands through the renovation of important historical buildings - sending the message that the Region is here to serve the Municipalities and help them carry out works for the benefit of the community.


The Deputy Regional Governor for Technical Works Manolis Orphanoudakis said that a total of 15 projects from the Ionian Islands Region have been approved for funding, including seven for Corfu. He added that they were preparatory projects which were a bridge to the new funding programme ESPA 2021-2027.

Finally, the Deputy Mayor for Technical Works Nikos Kalogeros referred to the good collaboration between himself and Mr. Orphanoudakis.