Barr Gazetas books Greek leisure job

Barr Gazetas has been appointed as architect for a 500m leisure development on the Greek island of Crete with accommodation for 7000 visitors.

Design for the five villages is influenced by “the local landscape, materials and vernacular traditions”, says a spokesman for the practice, which is also working on the development’s identity.

Interior designers have not been appointed for leisure facilities which will include an art centre with an open-air amphitheatre, museum and marina area with shops and restaurants.

“We are still at the master plan stage and actual building work will not start before the end of the year,” says Diana Choulman, director of the developer Loyalward.

Major international hotel groups have expressed an interest in the development’s five hotel sites, says Barr Gazetas founder Alistair Barr.

Barr Gazetas has completed the interior of a new Greek restaurant in London which aims to “dispel the common myth that Greek ambience is all about plastic grapes and bazouki music”, says a group spokesman. Cafe O, in- tended as the first of a chain, opened last week. Barr Gazetas was responsible for interiors, identity, menus and signage.