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Project photos/ Rama gives "Kafe e Madhe" in Shkodra to former MP Agron Çela, will turn it into a hotel
2026-03-10 22:00:35 / POLITIKË
The family of former LSI and SP MP Agron Çela will rebuild the "Kafe e Madhe" in Shkodra, after a debate that lasted several years, while the building, which is a cultural monument, was left in oblivion and destroyed. The suspicions were that the destruction was done intentionally, to pave the way for the reconstruction and alienation of the existing building.
Vox News has exclusively obtained the KKTU permit documents, which show that the iconic building will be converted into a hotel by one of the most influential families in the northwestern city of Albania, which just a few months ago won the government auction to build a resort in the villa of former dictator Enver Hoxha in the Velipoja area.
In recent days, the government has signed the construction permit for the "Great Cafe" in Shkodra, while documents obtained exclusively by our editorial team indicate that it concerns "the approval of the construction permit for the facility, restoration, reconstruction of the Great Cafe and construction of a hotel facility with 3 floors above ground and 1 floor underground" located in the Municipality of Shkodra.
The reconstruction came at the proposal of the developer, the company "Xhenis -Sh", owned by Mrs. Belma Çela, the wife of former MP Agron Çela, who previously was under the banner of the LSI and later of the Socialist Party. Another "reward" for this family, since Agron's daughter previously ran with the SP in the last parliamentary elections. A line-up totally in favor of the majority, while currently the family has also been given the fruits.
The permit document for the “Great Cafe” states that the building was designed by the great master Kolë Idromeno at the beginning of the 20th century. One of his best works, it bears a clear influence from the Austro-Hungarian architecture of that period.
"During the years of dictatorship it was named 'Park Cafe' and the upper floor was used as 'Park Hotel'. Ladies would wear their most beautiful dresses and gentlemen their best suits to visit the Grand Cafe, thus becoming a very important social center ," the documents state.
According to her, gradually as a result of lack of investment and neglect, the building began to fall into disuse, thus ending the vibrant life it reflected. "At present, although it is classified as a first-category cultural monument, it is in a very degraded state. The building has not undergone any changes in its morphology, preserving its architectural-volumetric features but in a degraded state," the document continues.
The documents state that efforts will be made to preserve the old facade. "Security, conservation and restoration work must be carried out in accordance with the norms and rules in force and with reference to best methodologies and practices," the document states.
It further follows that in order to guarantee the continuity of the works and public safety, the closure or conditioning of passage on some roads is foreseen, also where possible, the construction of protections, scaffolding with metal nets, of adjacent buildings, from accidental falls of materials from heights is foreseen. The document states that in addition to restoration, an attempt will also be made to provide functions that would restore the former glory of the "Great Coffee" as a hotel, coffee bar and social center. It will include parking, a spa center, a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boutique, a conference room, offices and hotel rooms.
"The building will be adapted in the best possible functional way by including functions that suit the location and needs of the community, being close to the center and residential areas, the proposal foresees the inclusion of social - cultural environments that will function with direct access from the outside but also from the inside. The top floor will be partially closed and mainly a veranda", the document continues. /Vox News
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