Construction, Latvia, Real Estate

The commencement of restoration depends on when the President's Chancery can move to the former U.S. Embassy building in Riga, occupied until end-August. "Everything depends on how much repairs are necessary to the building at 7 Raina Boulevard," said Balodis, adding though that bidding for the reconstruction and renovation job would most probably be announced this year yet, wrttes LETA.

VNI representative Daiga Lauksteina previously told Nozare.lv that VNI and the President's Chancery were looking into the repairs necessary at 7 Raina Boulevard to adapt its premises to the needs of the Chancery and the president. When it is clear how much work has to be done on the building, the dates for moving the Chancery to the new premises will be set, as well as the start of renovation of the Riga Castle's ante-castle, she said.

It is planned that the reconstruction and renovation of Riga Castle will continue for 2.5 years after the contract is signed with the company to do the job, and conclude by 2018, the 100th anniversary since the proclamation of the state of Latvia, said Lauksteina.

The technical project for reconstruction and renovation of the ante-castle was approved by the Riga Construction Board on December 3 last year. According to the design estimates, the reconstruction and renovation project could cost around LVL 20 million altogether.