Central Corfu Mayor comments on Municipal Theatre closure: ‘Safety and complete renovation come first’

In a press conference, the Mayor of Central Corfu explained the reasons behind the decision to suspend operations at the Municipal Theatre. Although the closure was initially scheduled for the end of April, recent developments and the non-negotiable need for safety prompted the immediate implementation of decisive measures.

As he pointed out, the Municipal Theatre has been operating for roughly 50 years without an official operating licence or fire safety certificate, relying solely on the responsibility of successive municipal administrations.

"The need to support the cultural life of the community led to the theatre functioning without the necessary conditions. However, the recent unfortunate incident involving the young girl was the last straw. There is no longer any period of tolerance," the Mayor stated.

First Steps: Immediate Interventions and Fire Safety

Since taking office, the new municipal administration has prioritised the issue, taking targeted actions despite limited resources, including:

• Roof Waterproofing: Work has begun on waterproofing the roof to stop water infiltration that was damaging the theatre and underlying shops. Just yesterday, a large opening was fully covered.

• Fire Safety: Emergency lighting has been restored and new fire extinguishers installed. Obtaining a fire safety certificate now forms the foundation for the theatre’s full licensing.

• General Protection: Due to decay in the wooden structures, special safety netting is being installed to protect users, particularly children.

For the first time, a study for the complete restoration is being planned, as until now there was no comprehensive plan for the building.

Resources were reallocated from the municipal budget (transferring funds from the waste management sector) to cover urgent needs. The overall restoration study will soon be tendered, covering structural and functional upgrades as well as aesthetic improvements to the exterior. Once the contractor is selected, the study is expected to be delivered in approximately 14 months, with the goal of including the project in a regional funding programme.

The Mayor concluded his remarks by stressing that the high level of cultural life in Corfu requires a venue that residents can be proud of.

"We are reaching out to all stakeholders and requesting their participation. With a proper and comprehensive study, the Municipal Theatre will operate again—this time with full safety and the prestige it deserves," he concluded.

ELENI KORONAKI