No ΄light at the end of the tunnel΄ for the historic Desyllas Factory

Hopes held by many Corfiots to have the historic property of the Desyllas Factory transferred to the ownership of the Municipality are dwindling, as the second auction by Piraeus Bank has already been announced. The former industrial complex, spanning 37 stremma, constitutes an emblematic space for Corfu, both as a monument of industrial history and archaeology.

The repeat procedure, following the cancellation of the previous one due to lack of interest from potential buyers, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st. The starting price, as before, is set at €8.2 million, with Piraeus Bank expediting the process regarding the owners' debts, amounting to €500,000.

The historic decision made by the previous Municipal Council of Central Corfu on November 14th, '23, upon the recommendation of Konstantinos Grigoriadis of Ekkinisi, has not progressed at all, neither by the previous administration nor by the new municipal authority. The only action taken concerned the second part of the instrument's decision, namely the letter to the Ministry of Culture.

With the decision - which essentially had a political character - the Municipality's intention to try to obtain the property was expressed, with a reservation regarding the legal aspect, which had to be examined by the services. Two months later, no opinion on the matter has been made known.

The treasury is in deficit

Just before taking office, the new Mayor, Stefanos Poulimenos, was asked by Enimerosi about his intentions. "The Desyllas Factory is undoubtedly a very interesting case. However, the Municipality bears many financial burdens and pending issues. We will consider the matter in light of the real financial data," he had stated, estimating that the new municipal authority would be able to have a full picture by the end of January 2024.

Deputy Mayor of Finance, Fani Tsibouli, after assuming her portfolio, told Enimerosi that the Municipality is in dire financial straits, which are still being assessed. Moreover, in the coming days, she will also provide relevant information regarding the treasury inherited by the new municipal authority.

Garitsa Cultural Society: Historical Opportunity

The transfer of the Desyllas factory from the public sector has been and remains a standing request of the Garitsa Society. However, there has been no response from the Ministry of Culture. "We urge the Ministry of Culture to take action, compensating, of course, the owners. Furthermore, subsequently, the cooperation of the Municipality with the public sector and European programmes can secure the sustainable protection and development of the area," they stated.

"It is a prime property, which could solve many problems and be historically significant. Such a large area could host cultural facilities, parking, necessary municipal facilities. If there is no interest, it will be a missed historical opportunity for the Municipality," the President of the Society, Alexandros Vergis, told Enimerosi.