Municipalities today

The results of the project for the construction of a new Youth Centre in Targovishte were presented today at a closing press conference attended by Mayor Dr Darin Dimitrov and Project Manager Dimitar Dimitrov. The project was implemented under a dedicated programme for the establishment of youth centres in regional cities, financed through Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

As part of the project, a new facility was built on the site of the former military barracks, designed to support young people between the ages of 15 and 29. The Youth Centre will offer opportunities for training, non-formal education, creative activities, volunteering, counselling services and the organisation of various youth initiatives.

“This is a new building that we must now fill with purpose. It is a building for the young people of Targovishte, whom we want to encourage to stay, develop and build their future here,” said Mayor Dr Dimitrov.

He explained that some final works related to landscaping and connecting infrastructure remain to be completed. The delivery and installation of furniture and equipment for the building are also forthcoming.

Project Manager Dimitar Dimitrov noted that work on the project began during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

“There were no contractors willing to undertake the construction works. We had to adjust part of the cost estimates, launch several public procurement procedures and ultimately succeeded in selecting a contractor,” he explained.

He added that, alongside the construction activities, the project also included a range of so-called soft measures, under which various youth initiatives were implemented in Targovishte.

The Youth Centre building has two floors and a total gross floor area of 1,184 square metres. The ground floor includes three multifunctional halls with capacities of 100, 40 and 30 participants respectively, a library, a relaxation area, and technical and auxiliary facilities. The second floor will accommodate the administrative offices and will also include residential accommodation facilities.

At the forthcoming Municipal Council session on 25 June, councillors will consider a proposal for the Youth Centre to become a secondary budget spending unit under the Municipality. The objective is to ensure its sustainable operation and long-term functioning. The facility will be managed by a director and staffed by up to ten employees.

The Municipal Council will also consider a proposal to name the street leading to the new building “Youth Street”.

The total value of all activities implemented under the project amounts to BGN 3.8 million.