Zagreb announces €15m ‘Market+’ redevelopment of historic Branimirova Market

Branimirova Market (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

The City of Zagreb has announced plans for a comprehensive reconstruction of the historic Branimirova Market, unveiling a new concept called “Market+” which aims to revitalise one of the capital’s oldest marketplaces.

Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, together with deputy mayors Danijela Dolenec and Luka Korlaet, presented the programme for the redevelopment and confirmed that a public architectural competition will soon be launched to design the project.

The competition will select a contemporary, high-quality and sustainable design that will determine the long-term appearance and function of the market.

A new vision for a historic market

Located in Branimirova Street between the city’s main railway and bus stations, the building occupies a prime position but has been underused for years.

“Branimirova Market is a building in a valuable location that has long been inadequately utilised,” said Mayor Tomašević.

“It is important for the neighbourhood but also for the wider city, as it sits in a representative location between the railway and bus stations and therefore has strong tourist potential.”

The new “Market+” concept draws inspiration from modern European market halls, particularly those housed in industrial heritage buildings.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Alongside traditional food stalls, the redevelopment would introduce restaurants and hospitality venues.

Focus on architecture, sustainability and community

The competition brief places particular emphasis on architectural quality, energy efficiency and stronger integration with the surrounding neighbourhood.

The goal is to preserve the market’s historic value while introducing a clear contemporary design that will create a lively, accessible and socially open space.

Once the winning design is selected, the city will sign a contract with the chosen architects to prepare full project documentation and obtain a building permit.

The estimated value of the reconstruction is €15 million. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028, with works projected to last around one year.

Danijela Dolenec (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Market plus additional activities

Deputy mayor Korlaet said the space requires significant renewal and a rethink of its function.

“We see it as an attractive, energy-efficient and socially open intervention that remains strongly connected with the neighbourhood,” he explained.

Luka Korlaet (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

“The market’s primary function will remain, but additional content such as hospitality venues will be introduced, following examples from abroad. This creates the ‘Market+’ concept, a market complemented by additional facilities that allow activity beyond standard opening hours.”

Part of wider market strategy

The redevelopment forms part of a broader effort by the City of Zagreb to modernise its markets.

The project is linked to the preparation of the Zagreb Market Development Strategy to 2050, which will define a long-term vision for the city’s markets, sustainable management models and their role as public and social spaces.

Tomašević emphasised that Zagreb’s daily markets are a unique feature among European cities.

“Zagreb is one of the few European cities where markets operate every day,” he said.

“In many Western European cities there are market days where markets operate only once a week. We want Zagreb’s tradition to survive while also keeping pace with the times.”

Mayor Tomislav Tomašević (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

The strategy is being developed with input from citizens, vendors and experts. Two surveys, one for residents and one for market traders, have so far collected nearly 8,000 responses both online and directly at markets across the city.

The consultation process remains open until 15 March.