Artyom Movsisian: Park to be built on site of airport’s Round Building

A decision on demolition of the old building (Round Building) of Zvartnots Airport has been taken and a park will be built in this place, the head of Armenia’s Main Civil Aviation Department Artyom Movsisian told reporters today.

In his words, there will be a reproduction of the building in the park. The old building cannot be kept since this will result in unfounded expenses. Nevertheless, the proposal put forward by the Armenian prime minister is being discussed by the concessioner who is likely to take a decision this year, Movsisian said.

He also reminded those present that state budget funds for keeping the airport’s old building were not allocated either.

Let us remind you that during a government session in December of last year Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan addressed the problem of pulling down Zvartnots Airport’s building, saying that the building is old and $15-20 million is needed for its restoration. “We should apply to the concessioner in order to hold additional discussions and find solutions which would allow keeping this monument of historical, cultural and architectural value,” he said.

According to him, there has been an interesting proposal to build a park on the airport’s grounds and set up architectural monuments there. The prime minister cited the experience of Mini-Europe Park in Brussels. The park has reproductions of monuments in the EU on show, at a scale of 1:25.

Tigran Sargsyan instructed Artyom Movsisian to inform the concessioner about it and to organize additional discussions.
The Round Building of Zvartnots Airport was put into operation in 1982. It was designed by architects S. Khachikian, A. Tarkhanian and L. Cherkezian.