International competition for restoration of Municipal Theatre

The call for an international bidding process for the restoration study of the Municipal Theatre is expected by the end of the week.

This is a project with a budget of €702,121 (co-funded by the ESPA Programme) and concerns architectural, structural, electromechanical, energy, and other studies. The contract for the study provides for its completion within 11 months from the date it is signed.

According to the announcement, the project aims at the full revival of the theatre so that it can reopen as a modern and safe cultural institution, capable of supporting a high level of artistic activity.

The restoration includes: strengthening of the load-bearing structure, restoration of the exterior façades, interior spaces, roofs, floors, electromechanical installations (heating, lighting, stage equipment, sound systems), and the provision of accessibility for people with disabilities.

The last time an architectural competition was held for the renovation of the theatre was in 2011 — the winning proposal was submitted by Zerefos-Tessas Architects. That proposal envisioned the expansion and reorganisation of the foyer, the relocation of areas (ticket office, catering, exhibition/shop spaces), a new glass-and-metal façade, and a reconfiguration of the interiors — aiming to give the theatre a more contemporary identity and to restore its appeal among the island’s residents. Despite being awarded, the proposal was never implemented — but it may be considered as a “reference design” in the context of the new study.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS

Photo: Stamatis Katapodis