Current Status
External view of the building across the bay of Mali Losinj
Located in the harbour of Mali Lošinj, the former Yugoslav Army Leisure Centre was originally constructed in the 1950s to house entertainment for military personnel and civilians living on the island. It was later closed in the mid 1970s, and since that point the building has fallen into disrepair. Although it will require substantial investment, it has the potential to provide the space for the development of the new Lošinj Marine Education Centre programmes and activities, and provide facilities for Blue World and its partners far into the future.
The building is a state property and as such it is currently managed by the Central Office for State Property Management. The fabric of the building, in particular the roof, walls and floors remain sound, but the entire building requires reconstruction in order to fulfil its new purpose. However, time and the weather are starting to have an effect; only through urgently securing the property will the decay be impeded. On a positive note, the state of the property does allow for the renovation of the building according to the needs of the education Centre, and construction would utilise all the state of the art materials and technology. The Energy Institute 'Hrvoje Požar' has indicated an interest in helping to design the building to make it energy efficient and sustainable, making the building unique on the Croatian islands.
Located in the central part of the City of Mali Lošinj and bay, with direct access from the road and pathway towards Čikat bay, the Centre offers the potential to attract many of the visitors to the island. In addition it has vehicle access, both by land and sea, allowing for the visits of groups from schools, universities and even cruise liners visiting Lošinj Island.
In front of the building, parking for cars and a bus stop can be developed. Across the bay from the property is the harbour of Mali Lošinj, a small pier will be extended into the harbour, providing permanent moorings for research boats, and space for visiting boats dropping visitors to the Centre. Attached to the pier will be a small pump station for pumping fresh seawater into the turtle rescue pools.
