“There are no plans to change the purpose of cinemas. Allo, Astor and Ideal” – the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs notes in its message.

In particular, with regard to publications about the future of e-EFKA’s Aello, Astor and Ideal cinemas, the announcement highlights the following:

• “As for the Aello cinema, there can be no question of changing its purpose. The goal is for the lease to be extended without changing the use of the property.”
• “Regarding the Astor cinema, an organization project is already being implemented so that the cinema hall does not change its purpose, the rest of the building is used by the investor, and a store operates on the ground floor. The first studies, which have already been carried out by the competent departments of e-EFKA, show that this is possible.
• Finally, with regard to the Ideal cinema, static problems have been identified throughout the building complex at 46 Universitetskaya Street. The condition of the building has deteriorated due to the recent fall of the wall at the rear of the cinema, where it adjoins the Hellinikon Odeion building. , on Feydi Street, which also notes a number of construction works that have been completed and need to be addressed. Both for the general restoration of the building complex and for its operation, an open process of searching for an investor is underway. Those potential investors who have come into contact with e-EFKA are positive about maintaining the use of the hall as a cinema, while modernizing it through use for theatrical performances or other cultural events. Discussions are still at a preliminary stage, as additional economic and technical studies are required to calculate the exact cost of restoration, as well as amortization of investments.”

As emphasized in the same report of the Ministry of Labor, “the main criterion for any decision of the e-EFKA management remains the immediate use of all real estate managed by the organization, and, at the same time, respect for historicity. buildings and their use. No decision will be made without considering both of these factors. In this direction, the administration of e-EFKA is in constant communication and cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports on all buildings of architectural, historical and cultural interest, including cinemas belonging to the organization, as was the case with the buildings of the Hellenic Conservatory and the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki – both belong to e-EFKA, where the Ministry of Culture and Sports is responsible for their restoration and maintenance.

^{Source: RES-IPE}