Τετάρτη 01.05.2024 ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑ

New era for Villa Rossa

Villa Rossa
14 Ιουνίου 2022 / 22:59

CORFU. The work is expected to be completed in two years.

It is finally time for the historical Villa Rossa building to regain its value and its rightful place in Corfu. The long-awaited project of the building's renovation will finally be implemented after many years of efforts and many procedures. The Ionian Islands Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa signed this afternoon the contract with the project's contractor for the renovation of Villa Rossa, as well as the auxiliary buildings and the surrounding land.


 
“The step is finally being taken to begin the work on the restoration of the legendary Villa Rossa and its surroundings. It is a long-awaited project that symbolises the transition from one era to another. Villa Rossa was built by Nikolaos Aspiotis in 1864, the year the Ionian Islands became part of the newly established Greek state. At the same time, it is part of the urban and economic history of Corfu as it symbolises the transition to the Industrial Period.
 
I understand the concern and impatience of Corfu people to see this iconic building being renovated,” said Mrs. Kratsa.


 
 
What it includes
 
The work includes the renovation of the Villa Rossa listed buildings in 5,426 sq.m. of land. The property comprises the main residence (Villa Rossa), the old stables, the octagonal kiosk, the old building with water tank and the gardens. The Ministry of Culture has declared the aboventioned to be historical listed monuments.
 
According to the Deputy Regional Governor for Infrastructure and Technical Works Manolis Orphanoudakis, the project, which is included in the Ionian Islands 2014-2020 Operational Programme and has a €4.8m budget, was put out to tender on 7 January 2021 and was contracted one and a half years later on 14 June 2022. The work is expected to be completed in two years (24 months).
 
"For us, the promotion and completion of this project remained very high on our agenda and today a chapter is practically being closed and the implementation of the project begins," said Mr. Orphanoudakis, adding that Villa Rossa will be used as a cultural building with exhibitions on the history of Corfu Town. Deputy Regional Governor for Corfu Kostas Zorbas said that this project is necessary as it will upgrade the wider area, while the Regional Council President Nikos Mouzakitis said that this project is the best answer to some people's accusations.
 
The Central Corfu Mayor Meropi Ydraiou said that Corfu is now turning a new page in the field of culture with a number of important projects, such as the Yialinas Art Gallery, Agia Ekaterini, the Phoenix Theatre, etc.
 
According to the contracting company's representative Efstathios Mandilaras, the work will begin immediately. The company that undertook the project has extensive experience in such projects involving listed buildings.