Investment projects for Košice 2013 enter the implementation phase

Construction of the Barracks/Culture Park commenced – the largest investment project of Košice 2013

The signing of the protocol on handover of the building site in the area of the Barracks/Culture Park on Kukučínova Street today marked the official start of the building of the largest investment project in Košice as European Capital of Culture 2013. In the presence of the Minister of Culture SR, Marek Maďarič, the Chairperson of Košice Self-Governing Region, Zdenko Trebuľa, Košice Mayor Richard Raši and the President of U.S. Steel Košice, David Rintoul, the protocol was signed by representatives of the city and Doprastav, a. s.

“In the 21st Century, the 19th Century former barracks will become one of the new centres of culture and creativity in Košice. Today, the machinery and builders will set about the barracks for several months so we can return in 2013 and start to use this area for organising interesting events and meetings,"saidRichard Raši. He emphasised that although the former city management underestimated the preparation of investment projects and lost a lot of time, today it is pointless to look back. "We are heading for the final and our preparations for 2013 are reaching their peak. It is symbolic that we are starting this final phase here and now since in the eyes of the public, the Culture Park is the symbol of success or failure of the entire project,” added the Mayor of Košice.

The contractor of the building, valued at €23.8m, is the joint stock company, Doprastav, which undertook to complete by 31^st December 2012 at the latest. For objective reasons or reasons deserving special attention, the contract states that it is possible to extend the completion date, including the date for handover. This needs the approval of the appropriate Ministry. "We shall employ all necessary technical and human capacities here and I can honestly declare that we will do everything to meet the deadline," stated the General Director of Doprastav, Juraj Androvič. He added that even today, after handover of the building site, they shall start building works.

Minister of Culture SR, Marek Maďarič, reminded us of the recent positive results of Košiceby the final monitoring panel of the European Commission and the recommendation to award the Melina Mercouri Prize to the city. On behalf of the Slovak Republic government, he promised maximum support to the creators and implementers of the project, so not only the people of Košice but the whole of Slovakia could be truly proud of their European Capital of Culture.

According to the Košice district administrator, Zdenko Trebuľa, the municipality has clearly declared interest in supporting this initiative and not just in words. The natural connection between the city and region was at the forefront of the idea to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture. "KošiceSelf-Governing Region was the first to approve long term investment within their budget for supporting this project, in the amount of €20m by 2015. The money is not only designated for investment but also for the programme element. Thanks to this investment, modernisation of cultural facilities has already started and in the metropolis of the region, islands of culture have been created – open zones for people who "enjoy" culture as well as for those who are getting to know it," added Zdenko Trebuľa.

Within the context of the Košice 2013 project, the metallurgical company, U.S. Steel Košice, mainly thought of the future of the young people of Košice. After the reconstruction of the Barracks/Culture Park, a unique exhibition called Steel Park – Creative Factory will be created there thanks to their €500,000 investment. It is the result of cooperation between universities and the scientific departments of the Slovak Academy of Science in Košice, in order to popularise scientific disciplines and technically oriented schools amongst the younger generation in an interactive format.

The Barracks/Culture Park is the most important of eight investment projects under the auspices of the City of Košice which have already entered their implementation phases. In the coming days, contracts with suppliers of other constructions will be prepared for signature. The Culture Park should soon be followed by projects for the restoration of the Craft Lane and Košice Castle.

In March 2012, the Government of the Slovak Republic approved financial means from the European Union structure fund in the total amount of €60m for the restoration, reconstruction, extension and modernisation of building objects and for strengthening the equipment of public areas in relation to the Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 project. Receivers of non-returnable financial contributions within priority axis 7 of the Regional Operational Programme for a total of 20 investment projects are the City of Košice (8), Košice Self-Governing Region (7), three organisations under Ministry of Culture SR (Slovak Technical Museum, Košice State Scientific Library and Košice State Theatre) and two non-profit making organisations (Pearls of the Gothic Route n.o. and Save the Manor in Krásna n.o.).