site.btaBTA Renovates Its Façade, Newsroom, Provides Accessible Environment

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) has renovated and put lights on its façade, modernized the building, and provided an accessible environment to it National Press Club and MaxiM multimedia centre for people with disabilities. The renovation was co-funded under the Beautiful Bulgaria project of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The Agency has also revamped its newsroom to improve the organization and workflow between reporters, editors and department heads. 

Provision of access for people with disabilities

In order to improve access for people with disabilities, two electric stair platforms were installed inside the building. One of the platforms is located next to the National Press Club, where various news conferences are organised every day, and the other is positioned next to the MaxiM multimedia centre.

A new ramp with metal railing was built to replace the old compromised metal ramp by the main (south-west) entrance. Major repairs were also made to the northwest entrance, which was in poor condition, with rotted and cracked wood siding. Serious repairs were also carried out on the half-demolished transport ramp. A new barrier was put up at the entrance/exit on the north-west side of the building.

Renovation of the building's façade and entrances

The façade of the building was completely cleaned, the coloured elements were repainted, additional improvements were made and new facilities were built with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.

A large illuminated logo was installed in the place of the old BTA letters, and the old façade clock was restored. Exterior façade lighting was installed with different lighting scenarios, which not only enhance the visual appearance of the building, but also make the area around it more attractive.

The activities were carried out under two measures of the Beautiful Bulgaria project of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The BTA building thus achieved the goal of building a more inclusive environment. The total budget is BGN 441,592 under the measure "Improvement of the public environment in settlements" and BGN 116,369 under the measure "Ensuring an accessible environment in public buildings".

Under another measure of the Beautiful Bulgaria project - "Improvement of the parking lot, manoeuvring area and pedestrian spaces of the Bulgarian News Agency", in 2023 BTA improved the space in the northeastern courtyard through the construction of a new parking lot. The total cost of this BTA project was BGN 255,381, of which BGN 114,921 was provided by the Beautiful Bulgaria project and BGN 140,460 came from BTA's budget. 

Revamped newsroom

The currently renovated working space includes 60 workplaces. The duty editors from each department will be able to exchange information and follow the news feed in real time from a circular desk at the centre of the newsroom. Two additional reporters’ offices have also been renovated with 13 and 17 workplaces. Five workplaces for heads of directorates have been designated as well. The renovations were carried out with the Agency's own funds. The communications infrastructure was built by Information Services. This renovation not only improves the working conditions at BTA, but also contributes to the quality and timely news for the public.