Turda Mayor Pushes €56M Aquapark Amid Urban Revamp

Turda Mayor Cristian Matei has revealed the early completion of 11 projects backed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), channeling 111 million lei into health, education, and energy efficiency. In a recent interview, Matei outlined ambitious plans to reshape the city, including a €56 million Aquapark. The project, for which documentation is underway, seeks EU funding for the 2028-2034 period, aiming to become a regional draw thanks to Turda's strategic location and highway access.

The PNRR projects encompass upgrades to schools, a hospital, a police station, and 16 residential blocks. However, Matei noted with regret that some homeowner associations missed the chance to join an energy rehabilitation program. During the interview, work was ongoing on 11 streets, including Petru Maior street, which is set for modernization starting September 14, featuring a rainwater system channeling water to the Arieș river.

Plans for I. I. Russu street involve design work and land acquisition for road widening. Matei assured that all city streets would be asphalted, while seeking cost-effective solutions. The Mina Iosif project at Salina Turda faces challenges, with technical issues leading to a switch from a single 16-person lift to two 8-person lifts, necessitating additional site orders and local budget expenses.

Matei criticized local councilors for straying from discussions on Salina Turda's funding, clarifying that the credit is an advance royalty payment to the municipality for project costs. Public Domain Turda confronts difficulties due to an outdated asphalt station, requiring 110,000 euros for rehabilitation and equipment upgrades. Matei expressed dissatisfaction with the company's management.

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Efforts are underway to rehabilitate four parks in Turda, with funding applications submitted. Plans include modern play equipment for parks and residential areas. The "Aureliu Manea" National Theater renovation is advanced, although delayed by window delivery issues. Its facade restoration is complex due to its historical monument status, with a rotating stage expected by year-end.

The synthetic sports field project has slowed due to reduced national funding, while a new kindergarten in the Tineretului area progresses well, expected to be completed in a year. Main works at the Potaissa Roman Castrum are finished, but the site remains closed pending surveillance camera installation, internet, and risk analysis. A new urban mobility bypass is planned to link Turda's entry to the highway, and the "Blue Corridor" project along the Arieș river will feature bike paths, a promenade, and river works.

A new bridge is planned near Constructorilor street for vehicle traffic, while the old bridge may become pedestrian and cyclist-only. The Aquapark might include a saltwater pool supplied by gravity from Salina Turda. Turda's tourism strategy aims to integrate local attractions such as the Salina, the castrum, the city center, and a new cultural center. Eleven digital panels will aid tourists with route planning and information. A new Tourism, Events, and Sports Directorate will coordinate these efforts, exploring partnerships with local guesthouses for tourist discounts.

Plans for a new 600 square meter municipal library in the Central Park area are in place. Private companies can maintain roundabouts in exchange for discreet advertising. Mayor Matei envisions a transformed Turda within the next decade, as he has long imagined it.