Žnjan grand opening on Saturday to mark new era for Split’s coastline

(Photo: Grad Split)

SPLIT, 17 June 2025 – Split is preparing for the grand opening of the redeveloped Žnjan plateau this Saturday, 21 June, coinciding with the first day of summer.

Mayor Tomislav Šuta has called the opening “a major step forward for Split and its citizens.”

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the opening, Mayor Šuta described Žnjan’s transformation as the culmination of a project decades in the making.

“This is not just a newly developed urban and infrastructural space. It’s a new social, sports and recreational zone with a range of accompanying amenities. It’s also the conclusion of a story that began as far back as 1998 with the visit of Pope John Paul II,” Šuta said.

He also announced that public parking in the new underground garage will be free during the initial phase, starting from the opening day.

Although the main works have been completed, he noted that minor finishing touches will continue in the weeks following the opening—standard practice for large-scale projects.

Maintenance of the entire plateau will be taken over by city-owned company Žnjan, while public services Čistoća and Parkovi i nasadi have been instructed to enhance their efforts in keeping the area clean and green.

Mayor Tomislav Šuta (Photo: Grad Split)

One of Croatia’s largest urban regeneration projects

Antonija Eremut Erceg, Head of the City’s Development Office, emphasised the significance of the investment.

“Žnjan, valued at €45 million, is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Croatia, financed through EU funds and a loan from the European Investment Bank,” she said.

She added that the design vision was to go beyond just concrete and create a year-round social space that can evolve with the needs of all generations.

“Žnjan is much more than a beach—it’s a living room for the city, designed for sport, leisure and community,” she concluded.

Traffic changes and free shuttle buses on opening day

To facilitate the event, temporary traffic regulation will be in effect on Saturday. Leona Grgić, Head of the City’s Communal Services Department, confirmed that access will be restricted to those with permits in the area stretching from the Bračka Street roundabout to Hotel Amfora.

Žnjan during construction  (Photo: Grad Split)

In addition to regular public transport routes (lines 8, 13, 14, and 15), two special free shuttle lines will run from:

HNK Split, departing every 30 minutes from 18:00 to 01:00
Lovrinac car park, where visitors can leave their cars and catch a bus every 15 minutes

Grgić encouraged citizens to use public transport or walk to the event, especially those living nearby.

“Let’s treat the new Žnjan with care and respect—it’s an investment for future generations,” she added.

Director Ivan Leo Lemo curated the opening night’s artistic programme, calling it both a “professional challenge and honour.”

The revamped plateau features small plazas, artistic corners, and an amphitheatre, making it an ideal space for cultural events. The opening evening will include a variety of performances:

Classical ballet and modern dance
Video installations and multimedia displays
Classical music and a women’s klapa ensemble
Several “technical surprises” that will be revealed on the night

“The atmosphere reminds me of the excitement before the opening of Poljud Stadium or the Croatian National Theatre building in Split,” Lemo said.