In 2015, feasibility studies for the Chinteni Aquapark began, with no public mentions at that time. Later, in 2017, details about the project were revealed, including the estimated cost of 20 million euros and the 3-year execution timeline, and in 2018, visual plans and other relevant information were presented. The Aquapark faced difficulties in the following years, with delays and administrative obstacles, but much progress was nevertheless made by 2022.
Documents
- 2018.05.30: Feasibility Study, Sketches. Poliart, Birou de Proiectare.
- 2022.05.01: Draft Environmental Agreement, Cluj Environmental Protection Agency. Anpm
Year 2023
- 2023-07-27: Chinteni awaits the final approval for the Aquapark. Media9
Year 2022
- 2022.01.28: The project is pending approval at the Cluj Environmental Protection Agency. Zcj.ro
- The address received by the Town Hall on 21.12.2021, which specified that "the appropriate assessment study must contain information and address the impact on the following habitats and species that formed the basis for the site designation, according to the updated Standard Form: 91 E0, 91, M0, 6199* Euplagia quadripunctaria, 4050 Isophya stysi, 6282* Klasea lycopifolia, 6948 Pontechium maculatam." However, we note that the custodian of the Natura 2000 site at that time had already issued a favorable opinion in 2018.
- Response of the Cluj Environmental Protection Agency: Following accusations from Chinteni, the Cluj Environmental Protection Agency states that the "Aquapark Chinteni Leisure Complex" project is located within the protected natural area of community interest "Eastern Cluj Hills". "The completion of the appropriate assessment study was requested with information regarding the impact on species that formed the basis for declaring the ROSCI0295 Eastern Cluj Hills site, according to the latest version of the site's Standard Form published on the MMAP website, as the documentation was not prepared according to the updated version." "This is not about a blockage or delays, but about the way the holder understands the regulatory procedures arising from environmental protection legislation. Given that the holder submitted the last requirements only on January 20, 2022, APM Cluj will continue the environmental regulation procedure, according to Law 292/2018 regarding the assessment of the impact of certain public and private projects on the environment."
- 2022.01.28: Same information as on Zcj.ro. StiriDeCluj.ro
- 2022.02.17: The mayor of Cluj (Emil Boc) announces his intention to support this project. StiriDeCluj.ro
- 2022.08.22: The mayor of Chinteni (Lucia Suciu) announces that all approvals have been obtained, and the updated amount would be ~35 million euros. Media9
- 2022.12.06: Architect Ciprian Simon proposed a detailed urban plan for a building with a high ground floor and one story, in Chinteni, right next to the land designated for the future Aquapark project. The project was rejected due to potential problems for the Aquapark. Media9
Year 2021
- 2021.01.20: It is mentioned that the start of works is postponed due to the commission from the Ministry of Economy. The Chinteni Aquapark project includes eight indoor and outdoor pools, seven slides for children and adults, sports grounds, and a public dining area. The resort, which would span an area of 10 hectares, is designed to operate in any season. ZCJ.ro
Year 2020
- 2020.02.10: Largely the same information as in 2019, but the first expropriation (~20,000 lei) of a small parcel is mentioned and the fact that the Ministry of Tourism was dissolved, with documentation and discussions moving to the Ministry of Economy. It is also mentioned that the next steps would be the building permit and tender. Media9
Year 2019
- 2019.04.05: Interview with the Mayor of Chinteni where it is mentioned that the project would cost 25 million euros. The area would be 10 hectares, with about 600 parking spaces. It is also mentioned that this project should bring a profit of 1 million euros per year at 60% occupancy rate; by comparison, Chinteni Town Hall has an annual budget of 210,000 euros. ViaCluj.tv.
- 2019.04.08: Roughly the same information as before, but it is also mentioned that the Aquapark could attract around 2,500 visitors per day. It is also mentioned that there is another project planned for the development of Chinteni Lake (18 hectares), a project that would cost around 6 million euros; the project includes pontoons for hydro-bikes, a restaurant with a capacity of 300 people, pontoon cabins for sport fishing, etc. Monitorul de Cluj
Year 2018
- 2018.05.30: Feasibility Study, Sketches. Poliart, Birou de Proiectare.
- 2018.09.04: Same information as in the 2017.08.09 article, with the start date set for Spring 2019, execution period of ~2 years (18 months), acceptance of the feasibility study by the Ministry of Tourism, development of Chinteni Lake, and slides at over 20 meters altitude, estimated cost of ~20 million euros, SPA center and accommodation for operation during cold weather. Monitorul de Cluj.
- 2018.11.11: The funds would come from the Government under a program run by the Ministry of Tourism. This article mentions, however, that the project could cost ~25 million euros and could have ~2,000 parking spaces. As for functionality, there could be several outdoor pools and a building where winter slides would run from the interior to the exterior, leading to heated pools. Radio Cluj.
Year 2017
- 2017.08.09: cost of 20 million euros, 6.6 hectares, 1,000 parking spaces, 3-year execution period, location next to Chinteni Lake, funds through the Ministry of Tourism. Monitorul de Cluj.
- 2017.08.10: Feasibility studies began in 2015, and in January 2017 they were submitted to the Ministry of Tourism. Radio Cluj.
Year 2015
- 2015: Feasibility studies began in 2015, even though we cannot find any public mention of them at that time.
