Business community divided over the proposal for an open mall in Corfu
open mall
19 Sep 2018
/ 06:38
CORFU. At the centre of the discussion are those within and outside the historical centre, the dispute with the Inspectorate of Antiquities and the Urban Operational Regulations for the Old Town.
The proposal for funding for the establishment of an Open Mall was approved by a majority vote at the Town Council meeting on Monday. A Memorandum of Collaboration between the Municipality of Corfu and Corfu Trade Association will be drawn up.
Approximately 250 shops in the historical centre will be included in the facility which will function as a cohesive unit in a similar way to a closed mall. The projected budget is 1.5m Euros and the mall will be in the historical centre - Giorgiou Theotoki St, Evg. Voulgareos St, Capodistriou, Nik. Theotoki and Michail Theotoki.
In Greek:
The following are some of the project requirements:
- Street cleaning vehicles (automotive sweepers) and fixed bars to control traffic.
- Enhancement of the facades and architectural elements and proper signage.
- Public toilets.
- Public information kiosks.
- Free wi-fi
- Organization of events to promote the business srea.
- Programme of awards etc.
The President of Corfu Trade Association Kostas Mouzakitis was present at the discussion and submitted the proposals which had been discussed with the Municipality for funding.
Disagreement from Alekos Litsardopoulos
The President of Corfu Business Professionals and Traders Alekos Litsardopoulos was unequivocally opposed to the proposal and claimed that nothing would happen due to the difficulties with the Inspectorate of Antiquities. He also stated that the proposal was essentially a return of the Urban Operational Regulations for the Old Town, which was never discussed with the business community as the Mayor had promised a year ago.
Mr. Litsardopoulos said that it was basically another scheme to kill off small businesses. "We demand to be granted permission to use the public areas as has been done over the last 50 - 60 years, but the Mayor doesn't want a confrontation with the Antiquities Department."
Meropi Ydraiou voted for the proposal and said that it was a competitive project and we shouldn't turn our backs on it but it nevertheless required proper technocratic support.
Yiannis Trepeklis also voted for the proposal adding that not only should the businesses in the historical centre be given support but also those "outside the walls".
The Laiki Sispeirosi party abstained as it considered that only a few shop owners would benefit and there would be no benefit for the public.
Giorgos Karydis from the NERIKI party abstained saying that he was concerned about the unfair competition with the shops not included. The NERIKI councillor Sotiris Kazianis also abstained.
Approximately 250 shops in the historical centre will be included in the facility which will function as a cohesive unit in a similar way to a closed mall. The projected budget is 1.5m Euros and the mall will be in the historical centre - Giorgiou Theotoki St, Evg. Voulgareos St, Capodistriou, Nik. Theotoki and Michail Theotoki.
In Greek:
The following are some of the project requirements:
- Street cleaning vehicles (automotive sweepers) and fixed bars to control traffic.
- Enhancement of the facades and architectural elements and proper signage.
- Public toilets.
- Public information kiosks.
- Free wi-fi
- Organization of events to promote the business srea.
- Programme of awards etc.
The President of Corfu Trade Association Kostas Mouzakitis was present at the discussion and submitted the proposals which had been discussed with the Municipality for funding.
Disagreement from Alekos Litsardopoulos
The President of Corfu Business Professionals and Traders Alekos Litsardopoulos was unequivocally opposed to the proposal and claimed that nothing would happen due to the difficulties with the Inspectorate of Antiquities. He also stated that the proposal was essentially a return of the Urban Operational Regulations for the Old Town, which was never discussed with the business community as the Mayor had promised a year ago.
Mr. Litsardopoulos said that it was basically another scheme to kill off small businesses. "We demand to be granted permission to use the public areas as has been done over the last 50 - 60 years, but the Mayor doesn't want a confrontation with the Antiquities Department."
Meropi Ydraiou voted for the proposal and said that it was a competitive project and we shouldn't turn our backs on it but it nevertheless required proper technocratic support.
Yiannis Trepeklis also voted for the proposal adding that not only should the businesses in the historical centre be given support but also those "outside the walls".
The Laiki Sispeirosi party abstained as it considered that only a few shop owners would benefit and there would be no benefit for the public.
Giorgos Karydis from the NERIKI party abstained saying that he was concerned about the unfair competition with the shops not included. The NERIKI councillor Sotiris Kazianis also abstained.
