Already six years in the making, the project in Veliko Korenovo is projected to cost €38 million (US$41.2 million, £32.6 million) to complete – according to Dario Hrebak, mayor of Bjelovar, who says the facility will “revitalise the city”.
Terme Bjelovar will be home to a range of spa and wellness facilities, seven pools – including indoor and outdoor leisure pools and an Olympic-size pool – a fitness area, restaurants, playgrounds, recreational spaces and relaxation areas.
The destination will be realised using sustainable green construction methods and rely on renewable energy sources including a geothermal spring 1,500 metres below and rooftop solar power plants. Hrebak reports that drilling has already begun to reach the water source.
The Croatian Government and Ministry of Tourism have approved €17 million (US$18.4 million, £14.6 million) of funding so far for the project – which will cover more than half of the investment needed.
The project is being spearheaded by the city-owned company Terme Bjelovar. It is part of a broader €4.4 million (US$ 4.7 million, £3.8 million) initiative by the City of Bjelovar to harness the area’s abundant geothermal energy resources and achieve energy independence within a decade.
By Megan Whitby
