Works on the construction of the Catholic Culture Center “Saint Francis” in Tuzla continued, and if everything goes according to the plan the facility in the city center should be opened within the next two years. The entire project is worth almost 3.200.000 BAM.
The idea for the construction of the Catholic Culture Center in the historical core of Tuzla was presented by the former Guardian of the Franciscan Monastery of the Saint Apostles Peter and Paul in Tuzla Friar Zdravko Anđić in 2006.
The idea was to build a center which will symbolize the Catholic church that was situated on that location for decades. The original church suffered major damage due to subsidence and in 1987 it had to be demolished. This center is also intended to be a venue for culture events organized by the Franciscan Monastery in Tuzla together with other institutions.
Five years later, in 2011, the cornerstone was laid by the Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Tuzla Josip Juras, and the construction works officially began.
The center consists of two facilities – one will house the universal hall, and the other one is intended for amenities such as rehearsal halls, café, library, and offices.
Majority of the work has already been completed and nearly two million BAM were invested so far. The biggest financier is the Government of the Republic of Croatia, followed by the Tuzla Canton Government and the City of Tuzla.
Completion of external works on the universal hall is expected in May next year, after which the internal works will commence.
“We hope to finish the works in the next two years, when the official opening should be held. Our aim is to have one multifunctional space that can easily adapt to the needs of the community. We strive to open this place for everyone and to bring culture back into the lives of ordinary people, to learn how to live together, and to make this place a connecting point for the people of Tuzla and the Tuzla Canton,” said the Guardian of the Monastery Friar Mario Divković.
Two facilities of the Catholic Culture Center Saint Francis in Tuzla will be connected with the alley of Franciscans who contributed to the cultural identity of BiH.
(Source: klix.ba/photo: insider.ba)
