Title: "Light at the End of the Tunnel: Plojdiv’s Iconic ‘Kosmos’ Cinema Set for Renovation After Over a Decade"
After more than a decade of anticipation and controversy, the iconic ‘Kosmos’ cinema in Plovdiv is finally set for renovation. The city has issued the last public procurement before the start of the construction, signaling the end of a long tunnel of uncertainty.
The tender for a monitoring firm for the construction is valued at 96,717.60 BGN (including VAT), with bids to be submitted by January 31st, and openings scheduled for February 3rd. Deputy Mayor for Culture, Plamen Panov, confirmed to Plovdiv24.bg that all appeals have been exhausted, and a committee is currently working to select an executioner for the project. Panov estimates that the renovation work will take around two years.
The total budget for the renovation and furnishing of the ‘Kosmos’ cinema is 11.8 million BGN, with 6.5 millionBGN provided by the state through the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRRP). An additional 8.089 million BGN was secured from the European Territorial Cooperation program, co-developed with Gabrovo municipality for the ‘Kosmos’ cinema project and the revitalization of the Maritsa River.
The plans for the ‘Kosmos’ cinema’s reconstruction and overall revamp date back to the tenure of Mayor Slavcho Atanasov, who initially proposed converting the building into a parking lot. public discontent and strong pressure prevented this idea from materializing. During Ivan Totev’s term, a competition for an idea project was held, but clarifying author rights for the architectural heritage delayed the repair process. Later, during Zdravo Dimitrov’s term, other priorities overshadowed the cultural infrastructure’s development.
However, Deputy Mayor Plamen Panov persisted in his vision to transform the ‘Kosmos’ cinema into one of Plovdiv’s gemstones. He successfully advocated for an public order for the selection of a construction company to oversee the repair work. After overcoming various appeals, including ones before the Administrative Court and the Supreme Administrative Court (VAS), the final decision is now in favor of Plovdiv Municipality, and the public procurement procedure is entering its final stages.
The renovation project, designed by ‘Tektonika-B’ architectural studio, focuses on the building and the plaza in front. Once completed, the ‘Kosmos’ cinema will be transformed into a modern cultural center featuring:
- A spacious auditorium with 599 seats, adaptable for cinematographic and theatrical events, concerts, lectures, and various audio-visual presentations.
- Two smaller, flexible presentation spaces, exhibition areas, and a café with indoor and outdoor sections.
- A modern plaza that will serve as a comfortable, inviting space for visitors of all ages.
The project aims to preserve the building’s existing volume. It includes plans for a new electric lift accessible to people with reduced mobility, as well as several new staircases.
Upon completion, the ‘Kosmos’ cinema will reclaim its place as a cultural beacon in Plovdiv, attracting visitors to this historic and vibrant city.
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