Nicosia mayor backs restoration of fire-damaged former Corner Pub

Nicosia, Cyprus. Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos said the municipality is willing to contribute to the full restoration of the former Corner Pub, which was damaged by fire on Wednesday.

Restoration plans

In a social media post on Friday, Prountzos described the fire damage as a blow to the memories of Nicosia residents and to the city’s architectural heritage.

He said the incident had worsened what he described as an already unattractive image in the area next to the presidential palace and opposite the foreign ministry.

Prountzos said he had spoken with the town planning department and expressed the municipality’s readiness to assist in any necessary way with the restoration of the listed building.

“The full restoration and reuse of the building, in collaboration with the owners, will be a victory for history and the cultural heritage of the capital,” he said.

The mayor also posted a photograph of the former Corner Pub before the fire, saying this was how he wanted it to be remembered.

Landmark and investigation

The former Corner Pub was a familiar landmark in Nicosia for many years because of its location opposite the presidential palace and its role as a Manchester United fans’ club.

Police on Thursday arrested a 16-year-old boy suspected of setting fire to the building.