The now vacant island was actually the location of the town's first settlement, which was known as the Island of St Vladislav until 1260. Plans are currently under way to turn the island into a public multimedia centre containing a large open-air theatre and up to three pedestrian bridges, the first of which has already been built connecting the island to the right bank. The project also includes the reconstruction of several traditional stilt houses over the river, where regional arts and crafts will be revived and promoted. Every September the island plays host to EKOBIS, an international fair of ecology, ecotourism and healthy food that is now in its 8th year and informally referred to as the Festival of Healthy Life.