Chișinău Circus Restoration Nears Completion with EU Funding
In approximately ten years, the Chișinău Circus could be fully operational. The first stage of the building's conservation and restoration work has been completed.
Thanks to financial support from the European Union, amounting to over 2.2 million euros for repairs, the Circus building will no longer be affected by floods. Representatives of the institution state that further progress depends on available funding. Today, President Maia Sandu visited the site.
Restoration work on the Circus building started in March. The dome was restored, and the terrace roof was repaired. Recently, new windows were installed. According to the project, the large hall, small hall, corridors, and all engineering networks will be restored to transform the institution into a multifunctional arena capable of hosting diverse events, in addition to actual shows.
“The last performances were in 2002, so no programs have been held here for 22 years. The staff was sent on leave during the repairs, which were started but never completed. Currently, 11 people work at the Chișinău Circus,” said the general director of the Circus, Andrei Locoman.
Project manager Andrei Vasilache states that one of the urgent priorities is laying out the electrical and sewerage networks.
“When we arrived, around 70-80% was lined with sheets of PFL, meaning the glass was missing. Direct changes were made to the glass elements, and new emergency exit doors were installed. One of the first priorities now is laying out the technical-engineering networks, connecting and restoring the building's connection to water, sewerage, and lighting,” explained Andrei Vasilache.
The European Union allocated over 1.8 million euros for detailed technical expertise, design, and repair work in the first stage. The European Union Ambassador to Chișinău, Janis Mazeiks, states that they are now analysing possibilities for further support of this project.
“We are analysing possibilities to support this project in the future as well. The most important thing is that the situation has not worsened; it is stable, and the building has a new roof. Now we can consider the next stages to revive this building,” declared the ambassador.
President Maia Sandu, who last visited the Chișinău Circus in 1994, mentions that the degrading state of the building has prevented entire generations from visiting the Circus.
“I did not come very often because I did not live in Chișinău and visited less frequently, but I remember that when I did, it was very beautiful. I always liked coming to the circus; I liked seeing the animals, and I liked watching the performances that left you breathless. As I mentioned, I think the last time I visited was in 1994. It is very sad that for so many years, both children and adults from the Republic of Moldova have been deprived of this opportunity. I hope we can complete the work as quickly as possible and return the circus to our citizens,” the president emphasised.
The estimated cost for completing the entire complex is over 11 million euros. The work could be completed with funding from the national budget or additional financing from development partners. The Chișinău Circus, built in 1981, interrupted its activities in October 2004, and shows resumed after ten years only on the small stage. The Chișinău Circus building was included in the Register of Monuments Protected by the State in 2022.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
