Inside the €95 million megaproject in Zagreb taking shape

by croatiaweek
October 22, 2025
in News

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Work on the redevelopment of Zagreb’s historic Paromlin complex is progressing steadily, with new glass façades now being installed, gradually revealing the future appearance of what will become one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks.

The €95 million project will see the long-abandoned industrial site behind the main train station transformed into a major social and cultural centre, anchored by a new city library housing around half a million books.

The development will also feature multimedia halls, cultural spaces, hospitality venues, and an underground car park with 330 spaces.

Deputy Mayor Luka Korlaet described the project as a “significant step in revitalising a neglected part of the city’s industrial heritage”, noting that similar international projects have “strong cultural, social, transport, and economic impacts” and often act as “catalysts for the renewal of neglected urban areas”.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Spanning 36,000 square metres, the Paromlin site is one of the largest and most complex construction projects currently underway in Zagreb.

The works include the restoration of four historic buildings, the mill, silos, and warehouses, where original façades are being carefully preserved while interiors are redesigned for their new roles as library and archive spaces.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

At the same time, two new structures are being built as part of the wider redevelopment. Reinforced concrete works on the underground and above-ground sections are nearing completion, alongside extensive masonry, installation, and finishing works.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

One of the most striking features soon to be added is a 50-metre steel chimney, designed to recall the original Paromlin smokestack, a symbolic link between the site’s industrial past and its modern cultural future.