THE MAMMOTH Cyprus Cultural Centre project is entering its final stages with construction set to begin in April 2012, according to director Tassos Angelis.
Even though it’s been two years since the “immense” project was presented almost two years ago Angelis said everything was still on track.
“We are actually in line with the government’s schedule so there have been no delays,” said Angelis who stressed how big a project it was. “We’ve actually reached this point in record time,” he added.
In the past two years the project has faced a few setbacks however such as delays due to difficulties with funding, along with concerns at the House about the viability of such an expensive project.
Angelis confirmed that the budget for the project was €90 million, with €12 million having already been spent on the architectural team and designs for the project. According to Angelis the project is set to also receive EU funding of up to 85 per cent. He could not confirm though whether the project had been approved for the funding, saying that it was the state’s concern.
Once the construction of the centre begins it will take three years to complete and will be located on Demosthenis Severis Avenue in Nicosia. It will provide a venue for performing arts, including dance, opera, musical theatre as well as symphonic and chamber music.
According to Angelis, architects have already been approved for what he described as an “immense project” and is now simply at the stage of choosing a contractor, from among various Cypriot and European companies. Ten companies have already been approved who will then go on to submit tenders, in order to see who will be awarded the contract to build the centre.
Angelis claimed that the long wait to April 2012 is a result of first of all having to wait for everything to be approved by the government. “Once we get various assurances and licenses from the government we will be able to start,” said Angelis. Time will also be needed to approve the designs and a few more months have been added on to the construction date just in case someone appeals the start of the build.
Despite the economic climate Angelis believes that the project will be beneficial as it will provide jobs. Angelis stressed the necessity of such a project stating that Cyprus is the only European country that does not have a hall for artistic and cultural events.
