The City of Split intends to invest heavily in restoring the cultural infrastructure of neglected parts of Diocletian's Palace.
To activate the funds provided under the European Competitiveness and Cohesion Fund, Split will submit a strategic project titled "Palace of Life, City of Changes" to an open call by the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on November 26, 2018.
The project is "part of an integrated program of development of the visitor infrastructure of the old city core within Diocletian's palace, which aims to valorize and protect the cultural heritage," the Split City Administration said.
The project envisions around 27 million kuna to cover all phases, from design documentation to the construction and ticket sales.
The funds from the project would be spent on reconstructing and equipping cultural objects. For example, in the old City Hall, an elevator would be built, as well as reconstruction works, constructive restoration, and furnishing.
Part of the Split City Museum would see repairs in the accompanying rooms and ground floor, including stabilizing the walls, adding an elevator, redecorating the reception, and adding a mobile ramp for the disabled.
The project would also envision the reconstruction of a building at Rodrigina and Bosanska Street which was damaged in a bombing during World War II. As the author of the conceptual solution, Dr. Katja Marasović, said to Slobodna Dalmacija, the former courtyard and houses were built on antique foundations.
"In the cellar basement, there would be an exhibition space or a cafe, depending on how the city would want to use that space. On the ground floor, at the street level, we could have a courtyard with a souvenir shop, a ticket office and similar facilities. Up the wall we could have steps to access the promenade on the northern wall of Diocletian's Palace,” emphasized prof. Dr. Marasović.
Moreover, the southeastern tower of the Palace and the building at Lukačićeva 5 would be renewed, including desalinizing, stabilizing, and fixing up two sanitary fixtures, one in the tower and the other on the floor of Lukačićeva 5.
Part of the EU's budget of 27 million kuna would go to a visitor tracking system. "This activity is related to establishing ticketing and city cards, and includes developing software and procuring hardware at all locations,” said the City.
But, the city has no money yet.
“Funding from the operational program ‘Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014 - 2020’ for this strategic project is being looked over. If everything is right, we will sign a contract. To be able to apply, a feasibility study is required,” said the Head of International and EU Services, Radojka Tomašević.
The city has determined the project "Palace of Life, City of Changes” as strategic.
“Diocletian's Palace and the old city center of Split are fundamentally marked by the continuity of life in the monument and with the monument, and constant change in both the physical and public domain, which stems from that life. This is inspired by the name of the project, which will contribute to the development of the cultural offer of the city with its activities and present the values of cultural heritage, which is an essential element of the identity of the City of Split and the motive for the arrival of tourists,” concluded Radojka Tomašević.
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