House plenary to discuss Hall of Culture funding

The House Finance Committee is referring to the House plenary for a final decision a demand by the Ministry of Education and Culture for the release of CYP2 million from the 2007 state budget for the architectural competition for the Hall of Culture.
Chairman of the Cyprus Cultural Foundation Kikis Lazarides said the Finance Committee was briefed on Monday about the project, which will cover an area of 17,000 square metres.
The Hall of Culture will be erected in Nicosia, on the premises which formerly housed the Ministry of Finance, the Alien and Immigration Department and other Ministry of the Interior buildings.
MPs heard that the cultural centre to be created will cost around 80 million euros, about 80% of which will be covered by European funds.
The Hall will be used for musical and dance performances. The aim is to provide a cultural focal point for the Cypriots, attract specialised tourism and contribute to cultural education.
Lazarides said there would be a main area, with a capacity of up to 1,400 spectators, hosting symphony orchestras, dance, opera and other theatrical and musical performances.
There will also be a smaller hall with a capacity of 500 spectators for chamber music, dance, jazz and other forms of music from all over the world, as well as an open air area for about 2,000 spectators.
Lazarides added that the Hall will accommodate permanent exhibitions of archaeological artifacts as well as other objects of art, related to the island’s ancient history.
The Hall of Culture will provide ample parking space in and around its premises.
Lazarides noted that there would also be an educational centre and a library, small commercial centres and dining areas.
He said Cyprus would be presiding over the EU in 2012 and a Hall of Culture would be most appropriate to accommodate various events and activities during that time as well.
Lazarides said the architectural competition has been completed and soon the contracts will be signed with the office of Sir John Hopkins.
The construction of the project is expected to begin in a year’s time and its cost is estimated between CYP55 and 65 million. Furthermore, annual maintenance is expected to cost around CYP3.5 million.