The South Aegean Region is to carry out a €5 million restoration and functional upgrade of Rhodes courthouse, fully funded by the Justice Ministry through the Judicial Buildings Financing Fund, TACHDIK.
The decision taken at a recent meeting on Rhodes chaired by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis is moving towards implementation. The Regional Committee, chaired by Regional Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos, has approved a Cultural Development Programme Agreement.
The agreement will be signed by the Justice Ministry, Culture Ministry, South Aegean Region and TACHDIK. It covers conservation, restoration and functional improvements to Rhodes courthouse, with a total budget of €5 million including VAT and a four-year duration.
The listed building was constructed in stages during the Italian occupation of Rhodes, between 1923 and 1939. It is a recognised architectural monument and city landmark.
Its condition requires prompt, coordinated work to ensure structural adequacy, protect the building, maintain safe court operations and serve the public.
The intervention is intended as an interim solution. It addresses serious immediate problems so the historic courthouse can remain safe and functional while final decisions are made and construction of a new courthouse proceeds.
This follows the approach agreed with Floridis, securing the existing building's operation while advancing a permanent solution for Rhodes' judicial services.
Work will be undertaken in phases, section by section. The contractor's timetable must set out successive stages, the order in which courtrooms are handed back and all measures needed to keep the courthouse operating throughout.
The agreement establishes a stable framework for cooperation and a comprehensive response to the building's problems. The committee heard that some areas required immediate intervention and that earlier repairs had largely been temporary.
Unauthorised enclosure of internal building spaces and inadequate waterproofing were cited among alterations that had worsened its condition.
“We have reached the programme agreement stage so that a contractor can be appointed to restore this wonderful building, which currently faces very serious problems,” Hatzimarkos said.
“The Justice Ministry, through TACHDIK, is providing 100% of the funding. The decision was taken during Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis' latest visit to Rhodes, when a major meeting was held at the region's offices. We were asked to help and agreed to undertake this exceptionally important project.”
Under the agreement, the region's General Directorate of Infrastructure will deliver the works, prepare or update the necessary studies, secure approvals and permits, conduct the tender, and manage and supervise the contract.
The Justice Ministry, as the property's owner, will provide the necessary administrative assistance. The Culture Ministry, through the Dodecanese Service of Modern Monuments and Technical Works, will support delivery with guidance and the required approvals.
As the funding body, TACHDIK will secure the necessary appropriations and disburse funds in line with the project's progress.
