New hope for restoration of Phoenix Theatre and Yialinas Art Gallery
CORFU. A few years ago the Phoenix still maintained some elements from the original building but it closed in the summer of 2016.
There are now hopes that funds can be made available for the restoration of the buildings and thus close the gaping wounds in Corfu’s cultural infrastructure.
The following cultural projects, with a total budget of 15,327,180.30 Euros, were integrated in the Ionian Islands 2014-2020 Programme (Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development):
Corfu
- Restoration of the Phoenix Theatre (5,954,300 Euros budget). This project concerns the restoration of the historical theatre and includes: restoring and providing support for the current organization – restoration of the façade and metal roof of the summer theatre – internal restoration (theatre and auxiliary space) – restoration of roofs and floors – electromechanical installations – seating supply – wheelchair access.
Estimated completion date: 31/12/2021.Municipality of Corfu is responsible for the project.
- Restoration and re-opening of Angelos Yialinas Art Gallery – a listed building owned by Aggelos Yialinas Foundation (5,069,210.28 Euros budget). Following completion of the work, the Art Gallery basement will be used for educational, recreational and commercial purposes, the first floor will be the main exhibition area with paintings by Angelos Yialinas’, the second floor will be a multi-use area and the top floor is to be used for administration and storage. Operational Body: Yiallinas Foundation.
Estimated completion date: 31/12/2021.Municipality of Corfu is responsible for the project.
- Upgrade of the facilities at the Public Library and General State Archives in the British Barracks in the Old Fortress (2,822,790.02 Euros budget). Upgrade of the electromechanical installations and supply of mobile archive systems in the British Barracks, where the General State Archives and Corfu Archives are housed. Operational Bodies: Corfu Public Central Library and General State Archives & Corfu Archives.
Estimated completion date: end of 2020. Ministry of Education is responsible for the project.
Lefkada
- Renovation of Zambelia house and the creation of the Municipal Zambeli Literature and Arts Centre (1,050,880 Euros budget). On the ground floor there will be a reception area and multi-purpose rooms along with the outdoor event area; on the first floor an event hall will be built along with office and library space etc. Supply of furniture and audiovisual equipment supply.
Estimated completion date: 31/12/2020.Municipality of Lefkada is responsible for the project.
- Protection, promotion and development of Meganisi cultural heritage (430,000 Euros budget). Promotion and development of two inactive Meganisi oil presses, which will operate as exhibition halls displaying the folklore, nautical and industrial traditions of Lefkada. Operational Body: Municipality of Lefkada.
Estimated completion date: 31/12/2020. Municipality of Meganisi is responsible for the project.
The projects are co-funded by Regional Development European Fund and the Greek State.
