The Universal Hall in Skopje will be reconstructed in its existing shape and size, retaining its original appearance as a symbol of Skopje post-earthquake rebuild.
PM Zoran Zaev, Skopje mayor Petre Shilegov, the director of the Universal Hall Filip Avramchev, the architect Bujar Mucha from Megaron Engineering Studio, who developed the project, attended the promotion of the Universal Hall’s reconstruction project.
Zaev reminded on the importance and history of the Universal Hall and stressed that the architect Mucha and his studio gave the people of Skopje the conceptual project for reconstruction of the Universal Hall as a donation. The City of Skopje, as he said, accepted the donation and after the tender for the construction works is completed, the reconstruction is expected to start in May.
He said that the government allocated Mden 120 million for the Universal Hall, and it provided EUR 70 million as a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the famous wheeled tram, also funds were provided for the start of the construction of the bridge in Karposh 4 worth about Mden 400 million. He announced that the government will continue to support all capital projects in Karposh municipality.
Skopje mayor Shilegov said that the government has allocated Mden 120 million, funds from the state budget, for the realization of this project of great importance for the Macedonian and Skopje culture and tradition. The Universal Hall, as he said, was, is and remains a favorite cultural institution of many Skopje citizens.
He said that the idea to preserve the Universal Hall in its existing form and at the existing location came after an extensive and open debate and added that the will of the people of Skopje and the public was respected.
Architect Mucha presenting the Universal Hall project, explained that the existing form is maintained, the interior is reorganized and new modern materials are inserted in the facade, primarily due to energy efficiency.
Responding to reporter’s question, Shilegov said that the Universal Hall would have a capacity of about 1,100 to 1,200 seats.
