The reconstruction of Constitución continues with work on public infrastructure including the city’s new Cultural Center which is in the final stages of fit-out, and the Zócalo turístico de Constitución foreshore promenade set for completion in early 2015. In addition to the Cultural Center and tourist path, Constitución will also be enhanced by further elements of the project including a heated public swimming pool, river park, harbor theater and civic hall.

The art of revitalization

The city’s new USD 2.1 million Cultural Center facing the Plaza de Armas (adjacent to calle Cruz) is entering the final stage of construction with interior fit-out well under way. The site was recently inspected by the region’s government including Mayor of Constitución, Hugo Veloso. “The Cultural Center is a major urban intervention with a very modern design that also values the role of wood as a building material. The timber industry is a significant part of the region’s economy, and therefore, a fitting element of this great reconstruction project. We are delighted that the Cultural Center will play a part in the reinvigoration of the community,” Mayor Hugo Veloso explains.

Tourism in the frame

The USD 267,000 Zócalo turístico de Constitución foreshore promenade is also under construction, and scheduled for completion in January 2015. The tourist attraction and community facility will provide paths, bicycle facilities, shelters and vantage points starting from the mouth of the Maule River and extending along the Pacific coastline.

The project aims to elevate the value of the forest and natural heritage of the area, and provide landmarks for the best vantage points of the coast along the route. This integrated project will be further enhanced by the regional government’s commitment to build bicycle lanes integrated with road improvement programs.

Additional projects in planning within the PRES Constitución (Plan de Reconstrucción Sustentable) include a heated public swimming pool, river park, harbor theater and civic hall – which will be built adjacent to the already completed Mutrún football stadium. The implementation team includes architects from Elemental, engineering firm ARUP, the University of Talca and Fundación Chile. The project is based on active citizen participation where priority community projects were defined through dialog and binding consultation.