Denial from Hellenic Public Properties regarding Achilleion Palace but doubts remain
CORFU. The Central Corfu Municipal council is exploring the possibility of a different form of utilisation and is requesting explanations from ETAD (Hellenic Public Properties), while the Ydraiou faction is also raising the issue of compensatory benefits if a concession is repeated, as was the case in the past with the casino.
Yesterday's session of the Central Corfu municipal council began with a letter from the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) regarding the Achilleion Palace, which was read by Mayor Poulimenos. Both the mayor himself and the faction leaders, Ydraiou and Karydis, insisted on the need for the council to issue a resolution on the matter.
The mayor referred to ETAD’s denial, which categorically states that it does not intend to sell the palace. However, he pointed out that there is no clarification on whether some other form of private utilisation of the property is being considered. Stefanos Poulimenos mentioned multiple times the possibility of a long-term concession, while Meropi Ydraiou reminded them that Achilleion Palace had been leased for many years and operated as a casino. According to her point of view, this raises the issue of compensatory revenues for the municipality in case such a development is pursued.
Of particular interest is the explanation ETAD provided in its letter regarding the inclusion of the Achilleion Palace in a real estate list featured at an internationally renowned exhibition. According to ETAD, this was done for promotional purposes and to enhance the site's reputation, ultimately increasing tourist visitation to Greece.
Also included in this list is the Asani building in the Old Town Hall Square. Apparently, based on ETAD’s reasoning, even this dangerous ruin was included in the exhibition’s list to promote the town and the island...
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
