The long-awaited reconstruction of the Coburg Park in Pohorelská Maša, which is a unique place with significant historical, cultural and natural value, has been officially launched today. The project is the result of many years of cooperation between several actors in the region, which were covered by the Development Agency of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region.
Coburg Park is a hidden treasure of Horehronie, not only from the point of view of nature, but especially thanks to its fascinating history. It was built in the first half of the 19th century in the centre of the vibrant Pohorel ironworks complex, as part of the Coburgs' estate. Its reconstruction is being carried out with funding from the Slovak Republic's Recovery and Resilience Plan mechanism through the Ministry of the Environment's appeals. It is one of 14 supported projects aimed at supporting the transformation of the Muránska Planina National Park region. The total investment of € 845 387,50 is aimed not only at preserving the cultural heritage but also at promoting nature tourism. Completion of the reconstruction is planned for the end of 2025.
The project is one of the outputs of the Strategy for the Development of Sustainable Tourism in the Muránska Planina National Park until 2030, which was created by involving many actors in the Horehronie and Gemer region. This document sets the direction of the national park area on its way to investments and other activities that aim to achieve sustainability in tourism.
"We see the revitalisation of Coburg Park as an important step in our activities aimed at the development of tourism. This has long been a priority for us because we see it as a real tool for supporting the regions. Projects such as this not only preserve cultural heritage and contribute to nature conservation, but also bring new opportunities for economic development. We are all the more pleased that we have managed to obtain external funding that enables this vision to be put into practice," said Janka Pálková, Director of the BBSK Development Agency.
Jarmila Oceľová, the project coordinator, adds: "The project documentation was already prepared in 2023, but the other phases of the project also required thorough preparation and patience. The road to the start of construction work took almost two years, during which it was necessary to settle ownership relations in the park area, obtain all the necessary permits and carry out public procurement. The contractor of the construction finally became the company PEMAX PLUS. Almost half of the total 6 hectares of the park, the so-called lower park, stretching from the main road to the railway line, will be revitalised. Within the area, new paths, a pavilion for cultural events, a unique wetland, a bridge over the Hron River and a restored, more modern version of the former private railway station will be built on the remains of the former private railway station. The park will of course be completed by new tree plantings and a flower bed in front of the Coburg Cottage."
The ceremonial event included the symbolic placing of wishes for the future of the park in an iron box, which reflects the connection of the place with the history of ironworks. The first wishes were placed in it by representatives of the Development Agency, the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region, the National Parks of the Low Tatras and Muránska planina, the Social Services Facility Čemerica, the municipality of Pohorelá, the regional and regional tourism organisation, the Horehronie Museum and the Coburgs in Slovakia civic association. It is thanks to the close cooperation and support of these key organisations that the Coburg Park is being revitalised today. Their contribution was essential for the successful start of this project. The box will also remain open to the public throughout the year and will be placed by the church - residents and visitors alike can place their wishes and memories in it, which will be placed in a time capsule and preserved in the park for future generations once the construction work is completed.
The Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region not only supported this project with professional capacities during its preparatory phase, but also ensured the sustainability of this place by acquiring the ownership of the Coburg Curia. "As this building was a polyclinic in the past, which today no longer fulfils its purpose, our region has agreed on its purchase with the original owner, the Hospital with Polyclinic Brezno, n.o., in the amount of € 77 800. At the same time, we have allocated additional funds for the project documentation of this building," said Ondrej Lunter, the chairman of the Banská Bystrica self-governing region. As Mikuláš Pál, Vice-Chairman of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region added: "In the case of the revitalisation of the Coburg Park, we are not only restoring material values, but we are also restoring moral and historical values. We are very happy that we can support the local community and develop it further."
The Coburg Cottage used to serve as the seat of the Pohorel Ironworks Complex administration in the past. This complex can be ranked among the most important iron producers in Hungary. Together with the adjacent park, St. Philip's Church and the manor house opposite (today ZSS Čemerica), it formed a continuous and thoughtfully conceived urban complex, which was the centre of social and economic life in the region.
"The revitalisation of Coburg Park, together with the adjacent curio house, the restoration of which is planned, represents a significant boost for the whole area. The building now has the opportunity to be transformed into a modern visitor facility with an interactive exhibition and information centre, in the creation of which our regional organisation will also participate. This project also creates new opportunities for the development of community life, the promotion of local business and the preservation of our cultural identity," said Tomáš Ábel, President of the Regional Tourism Organisation REGIÓN HOREHRONIE.
