The beginning of works on the reconstruction of the Erdödy castle in Jastrebarsko is getting closer. Namely, a valid construction permit was obtained, which created all the preconditions for initiating the public procurement procedure for construction works, which was published on 21 March. As a result, the estimated value of the works is HRK 73,140,000 without VAT, Lokalni.hr.
Upon completing the works, at least 80 percent of the castle area will be available to the public, and 20 percent of the building can be commercialized. The castle has been dilapidated since the late ’80s when the museum and the tenants who lived on the castle premises were evicted. There were attempts to renovate in the early ’90s when the rehabilitation of certain parts of the castle began. Still, it was not completed, so this is the first serious renovation to revitalize the abandoned building and open it to the public.
“The castle renovation project is complex and time-consuming. The administration itself is taking longer than we all would like, but given the significant funds provided by the European Union for this project, a detailed procedure is expected. Furthermore, given the circumstances and the increase in prices at all levels that we monitor daily, the value of the works on the castle will increase. Of course, this is a new challenge, but we are ready for it. We have reached a historically important moment to renovate our most valuable cultural building, and we will invest the maximum effort to realize this project,” said Mayor Zvonimir Novosel.
The renovation project envisages the castle’s ground floor as a space for communication with visitors. In addition, they say that there will be an information desk, a souvenir shop, and areas for associations. A catering facility will also return. There is even a planned space for presentations, promotions, and occasional tastings, where sommelier courses and smaller educational gastronomic events will be held.
The first floor is intended to accommodate the city administration. In contrast, the second floor of the northern part and the attic space in the southern part is designed for the needs of the historical and ethnographic museum. On the third floor, there will be a polyvalent space that will be used as a town hall, but also for several other facilities. There will also be smaller spaces for workshops, and access by elevator is provided for people with disabilities. The atrium, i.e., the castle’s inner courtyard, will be arranged as a space for cultural and entertainment events.
The Erdödy castle renovation project is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund. Its total value is HRK 73,639,686.93, of which approved funds from EU funds amount to HRK 49,503,626.59.
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