Zagreb to build major congress centre, theatre and hotel in new Velesajam project

Site location (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Zagreb is set to gain a modern congress centre, a new city theatre, a hotel and a range of business and public facilities as part of a significant urban development project in New Zagreb.

The City of Zagreb has launched a public consultation on a proposed decision to implement the “Zagrebački velesajam – East” city project. The development concerns a prime seven-hectare site earmarked for a major congress centre.

Following the expected adoption of the decision by the Zagreb City Assembly, the next steps will include the preparation of an urban-architectural design competition and the drafting of a detailed urban development plan.

Prime Location in the Heart of New Zagreb

The planned development will occupy one of the most attractive sites in the city. The location is bordered by Avenija Većeslava Holjevca to the east, the grounds of Zagrebački velesajam to the west, Ulica Joszefa Antalla to the north and an existing office building along Avenija Dubrovnik to the south.

The project envisions the construction of:

• A modern congress centre

• A new city theatre

• A hotel

• Business premises

• Public spaces and supporting infrastructure, including a garage

Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, said the city had resolved longstanding property and legal issues at the site, clearing the way for development.

“As we resolved property issues in Maksimir and for the hospital in Blato, which had blocked important projects for decades, we have now resolved the legal dispute at Zagrebački velesajam – East,” Tomašević stated. The land is now fully owned by the city-owned company Zagrebački velesajam, enabling preparations for the investment to move forward.

According to the Mayor, the new congress centre will significantly strengthen Zagreb’s conference and business tourism sector, enhance the city’s overall tourism potential and improve the wider business environment.

The project is also seen as strategically important due to its location along the city’s central axis. It benefits from strong transport links, comprehensive public transport coverage, proximity to the airport and convenient access from the Zagreb bypass.

In addition, the location offers practical advantages for hosting international delegations, including the security requirements necessary for visits by foreign officials and VIP guests.

“This is a project of exceptional importance,” Tomašević said, adding that it would not only create a new urban centre but also elevate Zagreb’s image on the European map of business tourism destinations.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

In preparation for the project, the city has already commissioned a feasibility study into the development purpose of the congress centre and its accompanying commercial facilities, as well as a spatial capacity study for cultural content, including the new theatre.

Detailed specifications, including floor areas and functional content, will be defined in the programme for the urban-architectural competition. The final spatial layout will be determined through the design competition process.

The public consultation on the decision to implement the project will remain open for 30 days, with the proposal expected to be presented to the City Assembly in March.