11.07.2024
A competition has been announced to select a contractor to manage and operate the newly opened Troodos Observatory .
The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides , noted that the goal is to select a contractor by September to turn the observatory into an important tourist site.
The contract will be concluded for 10 years with the possibility of extension for 5 years. The goal of the project is to develop the observatory within the framework of the GEOSTARS cross-border cooperation program, which should increase the tourist attractiveness of the Troodos region and contribute to its economic growth.
The observatory should become a center for astro -tourism, research and educational programs. It is expected to function as a tourist and information space, as well as a place for scientific research.
The Contractor will be required to operate the observatory at least five days a week, including Saturday and Sunday, and for a minimum of five hours a day. It is also possible to open a cafe on the territory of the observatory.
The contractor will be required to provide performance reports every three months and upon completion of the project.
Troodos Observatory was built under the responsibility of the Limassol district administration in the community of Agridia with a total cost of construction and astronomical equipment of 1,770,000 euros and is located on land leased by the state to the Community Council of Agridia for 33 years.
The building contains a reception area, office/meeting room, space for two telescopes and a presentation area.
The equipment installed consists of two main telescopes: a 20-inch astronomical telescope with a mechanically rotating dome roof and a daytime solar telescope with a specially designed mechanically movable roof.
Additional equipment can be installed in the presentation area so that it can also be used as a planetarium.
Construction work was carried out by J. Mantis Constructions Ltd under a contract signed with the Limassol district administration in April 2021 for the construction of infrastructure, supply and installation of stargazing equipment in the village of Agridia .
The project architects are Nikodimos K. Tsolakis and Elena K. Tsolakis from Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects , who designed the building, which has received many international awards.
