A new six-month extension for the completion of the restoration studies of the Moudari Naval Observatory was unanimously approved by the Commission of the Property Committee of Kythera and Antikythera. During the public meeting of 11 May 2026, chaired by Mr. Evangelos Venardos, it was decided to postpone the deadline of the programme contract to 14 November 2026, in order to allow the necessary time for the full maturation of the project.
The relevant programmatic contract with the Network of Municipalities of the Regional Unit of the Attica Islands was originally signed on 14 July 2025. Although we are now in the second extension of the original deadline (which was due to expire on 14 May 2026), the first - but crucial - steps have been taken so far. Specifically, on May 4, 2026, the Network delivered the architectural preliminary design and proposal to the Inland Revenue Commission for review and any comments.
However, work is still needed to get the project to the much-needed tender stage. As the members of the Joint Monitoring Committee stressed at the meeting, the extra six months is absolutely necessary to complete the remaining technical studies. These include the structural and electromechanical studies, as well as the preparation of the Health and Safety Plan and File (HSE - HSE) together with the tender documents.
Now, the bet for the restoration of the historic observatory is postponed to the middle of next autumn, with the relevant authorities being asked to have completed the 100% of the physical scope of the contract by the new November deadline.
