The local council promised to cover 27pc of the cost of the programme, or about HU 2.4bn, from sponsors. But would-be sponsors have so far promised only services, not cash.
Pécs2010 development director Péter Merza said the first phase of a key project to spruce up the city's public spaces is about to start. The deadlines for bidding to build a concert hall, set up a regional information centre and transform the area around the Zsolnay porcelain factory into a cultural quarter all fall in April or May, he added.
Because the projects, which have seen big delays, are unlikely to be completed on time, the local council has selected alternative venues. But projects at these venues, too, face obstacles. A renovation of the city's theatre can only be realised if money is left over form the other building projects. And there is no funding available to improve the acoustics of the foyer of the Medical University. The city's synagogue can be converted into a concert hall only if the city wins a regional development tender in June, the paper said.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)