Zagreb moves ahead with permanent pedestrian zone plans in city centre

(Photo credit: Grad Zagreb)

ZAGREB, 20 September 2026 – Zagreb is moving forward with plans to permanently redesign a central pedestrian zone covering parts of Masarykova, Teslina, Preradovićeva and Gajeva streets, following a public consultation in which the large majority of participants supported the proposal.

An online survey involving 3,435 respondents found that 88.4% supported a comprehensive permanent arrangement of the area, according to the City of Zagreb.

The pedestrian zone was introduced on a temporary basis three years ago, and the city has now commissioned an interdisciplinary team from the Zagreb Institute for Spatial Planning to develop a concept for its permanent arrangement.

The proposal incorporates feedback gathered from residents, businesses and other users of the area, alongside professional analysis of the space and its wider development needs.

More greenery and places to sit

The survey also provided an indication of what people would like to see in the redesigned area.

Some 84.6% of respondents said there was not enough greenery, while frequently suggested additions included more trees, additional seating, drinking water fountains, public toilets and improved urban furniture.

Respondents also highlighted the need for better-designed hospitality terraces and improved accessibility for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

The findings were collected as part of a broader participatory process carried out between April and July. In addition to the online survey, the process included thematic public discussions, workshops with specific groups and ethnographic field research.

The collected feedback was then used as an input in the preparation of the concept design.

From temporary measure to permanent space

The current pedestrian arrangement dates back to September 2023, when Zagreb introduced a pedestrian zone along part of Masarykova Street, between Gundulićeva and Teslina, and part of Preradovićeva Street.

The city has since continued to examine further pedestrianisation and improvements to public space in the centre.

Earlier plans also identified extensions involving Gajeva and Teslina, alongside other potential changes to pedestrian areas across central Zagreb. The city has said that further pedestrian-zone projects would take into account traffic analysis, access for residents, deliveries and emergency services.

(Photo credit: Grad Zagreb)

The latest concept is intended not only to redesign the physical space but also to establish broader standards for public areas in central Zagreb.

According to Nikša Božić, director of the Zagreb Institute for Spatial Planning, the project is intended to create new standards covering urban design, street furniture and the way public spaces are planned, including earlier involvement of residents and other stakeholders.

Mayor Tomislav Tomašević said the feedback showed that residents wanted a public space that was greener, safer and of higher quality, adding that the city wanted the concept to be developed through dialogue with residents, businesses and other users.

(Photo credit: Grad Zagreb)

Concept to be presented on Monday

The proposed design will be presented publicly on 21 September at the event Zagreb za sve: U korak sa svijetom at the Lapidarium of the Zagreb Archaeological Museum.

The presentation forms part of European Mobility Week, which is taking place in Zagreb from 16 to 22 September. The programme focuses on sustainable mobility, public space and reducing the dominance of motor traffic in parts of the city.

The event will include a presentation of the concept for the Masarykova–Teslina–Preradovićeva–Gajeva pedestrian zone, followed by a panel discussion on urban planning, mobility and changes in everyday travel patterns.

The city says residents will also be able to see the proposed new arrangement on information boards placed within the pedestrian zone.

If implemented, the project would mark a further step in Zagreb’s ongoing transformation of parts of its historic centre, with greater emphasis on pedestrian space, greenery, accessibility and the wider use of streets as public spaces.