The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) has launched an ambitious project to renovate its headquarters, focusing on modernizing the facade and improving accessibility for all visitors. The initiative, announced on Tuesday, is funded by both BTA’s resources and the Beautiful Bulgaria Programme under the Labour Ministry.
During the presentation, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev outlined the comprehensive plans for the renovation. A key feature of the project includes illuminating the BTA sign with a new font designed in collaboration with students from the National Academy of Arts. The renovation will also encompass three of the building’s four entrances, including the main entrance, a future information center, and the archives office. These upgrades are designed to provide better access for people with mobility issues. Additionally, a new reading room will be established in the archives office.
Valchev also shared designs for a major transformation of the agency’s newsroom, aiming to align it with the standards of leading global news agencies like Reuters and the Associated Press. This modernization is expected to be completed by the start of the school year.
A significant focus of the renovation is on preserving and enhancing the BTA’s extensive archives, which include valuable bulletins and photo records. Valchev highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the State Archives Agency to ensure proper storage and accessibility of these historical documents.
Another key initiative under the Regions in Growth Programme, titled “The World of News,” will improve the building’s energy efficiency. Plans include adding external cladding and exploring the installation of a photovoltaic plant on the roof. Additionally, the project envisions creating a “green zone” and implementing 3D mapping on the building’s facade, which could become a new attraction in Sofia. Plans are also underway to establish a News Museum in partnership with the National Polytechnic Museum.
