A tender was announced by the Organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources for the long-term lease of 9 medieval windmills by private individuals and their utilization as tourist accommodations and cultural spaces.
The duration of the lease has been set at 15 years, with the possibility of extension for an additional period not exceeding 12 years. The deadline for submitting offers has been set for Wednesday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. The leasing aims to generate revenue for the Organization through the direct commercial exploitation of the properties and the preservation and maintenance of the archaeological properties – monuments of the Medieval City of Rhodes.
The objective is the long-term lease, with the obligation to implement an investment proposal for the structural restoration of each building and its configuration for the proposed use, with substantial expenses for its upgrade and operation for the intended uses. The lessee will undertake, at their sole expense, the reactivation of each property.
A brief description of the windmills, the minimum restoration amount, the minimum lease amount, and the permitted use are as follows:
1a. Windmill on the breakwater of Saint Nicholas, 1st in line toward the fortress:
According to cadastral records, it is a two-story building. After the restoration carried out by the Ministry of Culture (completed in 1983), the building includes an additional floor, making it a three-story structure with a total area of 87 sq.m. Its condition is good; it has wooden mezzanine floors and sails, broken windows, and visible signs of moisture.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €43,500.
Permitted use: cultural activities only.
1b. Windmill on the breakwater of Saint Nicholas, 2nd in line:
In the past, it had been repaired and used by the Archaeological Service as a model mill for grinding wheat. According to cadastral records, it is a single-story building. After restoration, the existing structure includes two additional floors, making it three stories with a total area of 66 sq.m. Its condition is good and it has wooden mezzanine floors and stairs, it has a mechanism but no sails.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €33,000.
Permitted use: cultural activities only.
1c. Windmill on the breakwater of Saint Nicholas, 3rd in line:
According to cadastral records, it is a two-story building. After restoration, the existing building includes an additional floor, making it a three-story structure with a total area of 96 sq.m. It has a concrete mezzanine on the first floor with a stone staircase, and a wooden mezzanine on the second floor with a wooden staircase. It is in excellent condition.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €48,000.
Permitted use: cultural activities only.
Note: The starting bid for the monthly rent for the above 3 properties is €1,050. A single offer must be submitted for all 3 properties.
2. Windmill on Miaouli Coast, Astypalaia Street:
Located near the Cactus Hotel. It has no roof or window frames. It is enclosed with wire fencing, and part of its platform appears to have been encroached upon and included within the hotel’s wooden railing.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €208,000.
Permitted use: independent tourist accommodation.
Starting monthly rent bid: €450.
3. Windmill on Miaouli Coast, Patmos 1 and Chalkis Streets:
It appears to have unauthorized height and area additions; it is recommended to consider the possible removal of these during restoration. The courtyard is within a fenced area.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €192,000.
Permitted use: independent tourist accommodation.
Starting monthly rent bid: €450.
4a. Windmill at the intersection of Papalouka and Red Cross (Erythrou Stavrou) Streets, No. 11:
It bears a coat of arms above the entrance. It has no roof or door, and inside there is a section of the collapsed ceiling.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €200,000.
Permitted use: independent tourist accommodation.
4b. Windmill on the hill at the intersection of Papalouka and Red Cross Streets, No. 24:
It is a two-story building. It is in poor condition, without a roof, with a wooden door. Inside, there are fallen sections from the ceiling and its wooden mechanical parts.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €224,000.
Permitted use: independent tourist accommodation.
Note: The starting bid for the monthly rent for the above 2 properties is €700. A single offer must be submitted for both properties.
5. Windmill at the intersection of Homer’s and Pythagoras Streets, in the Medieval City:
It is a two-story building. Basic stabilization works have been carried out to prevent collapse, and it is in very poor condition. It has a horizontal roof cover, no door, and partially preserved internal stone staircase.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €190,000.
Permitted use: independent tourist accommodation.
Starting monthly rent bid: €250.
6. Windmill on Kos Street, within the courtyard of the Museum of Modern Art of the Nestorideio Foundation:
It is in good condition. There is a restoration study by the Medieval City Directorate of the Municipality of Rhodes. As it does not have access to a municipal road, it is accessed through the property of the Nestorideio Foundation.
The minimum amount for restoration and configuration works has been set at €28,000.
Permitted use: cultural space, caf?, or event venue of the Museum.
Starting monthly rent bid: €250.
